Melanoma Awareness Month

Melanoma Awareness Month aims to raise awareness of melanoma skin cancer, sun safety, the dangers of UV exposure, and how to perform regular skin checks.

What is Melanoma Awareness Month?

Melanoma Awareness Month is held every year to highlight melanoma skin cancer, how to spot the signs, the dangers of UV exposure, and how to perform regular skin checks. Early detection is crucial as almost 90% of skin cancer cases are preventable, but in the UK over 20,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, and this number is rising.

When is Melanoma Awareness Month?

Melanoma Awareness Month runs every year in April.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. Similar to other cancers, the cells begin dividing faster than normal. In melanoma, pigment-producing skin cells called melanocytes grow into deeper layers of the skin, forming a dark mark or mole that looks unusual. Melanoma is one of the more common cancers in young adults. The main risk factor is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, particularly repeated or severe sunburns. Other risk factors include having many or unusual moles, a family history of melanoma, and fair skin that burns easily.

Read more about melanoma in teenagers and young people.

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Melanoma in teenagers and young adults

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. It develops from cells in the skin called melanocytes.

Jack, with his face turned away to show the scar behind his left ear where his skin cancer was removed.

How do young people feel about skin cancer and why does it matter?

When you hear ‘skin cancer’ you probably think about years of exposure to sun. The average patient is 65 years old when they are diagnosed, but it's also a common cancer for young people...

TYAC funds research to help young people with skin cancer

Teenagers and Young Adults with Cancer (TYAC) is proud to announce it has funded two brand-new research projects that will answer questions important to teenagers and young adults with cancer.

Melanoma in young adults

Melanoma is a cancer affecting young people and is one of the more common cancers in young adults. The main risk factor is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, particularly repeated or severe sunburns. Other risk factors include having many or unusual moles, a family history of melanoma, fair skin that burns easily, and a weakened immune system. Young people should look out for new or changing moles or skin marks, especially changes in size, shape, colour, or appearance, and seek medical advice if they notice anything unusual.