Melanoma Facts

April 2, 2026

This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Gaurav Singh, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.M.S., Mohs Micrographic Surgeon and Dermatologist, City of Hope^® Cancer Center Chicago.

Although there are other types of cancers that affect the skin, melanoma is often considered the most serious kind of skin cancer. This is because melanoma is more likely than other types of skin cancer to spread (or metastasize) to other parts of the body. Regular screening for melanoma can help catch the disease early and often results in longer survival.

Melanoma is the name for any cancer that begins in melanocytes, which are cells in the body that produce pigment. The pigment made by melanocytes helps determine the color and tone of a person’s skin, eyes and hair. About 95% of all melanomas are skin cancers, however, the disease can affect other parts of the body too, such as the eyes, lips, genitals or mucous membranes.

The most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States are skin cancers. Although melanoma is the least common type of skin cancer – accounting for only 1% of new skin cancer diagnoses – people with melanoma have worse outcomes than people with any other kind of skin cancer. Thankfully, the survival rates for melanoma are strong, with more than 97% of all patients with the disease surviving for at least five years after their initial diagnosis.

Like all cancers, melanoma develops when cells in the body start to behave abnormally and form tumors. Melanoma is the result of mutations to the DNA in the melanocyte cells in the body. These mutations are usually caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or from tanning beds.

Risk factors are things that make it more likely a person may develop a particular condition. The most significant risk factors for melanoma of the skin include having:

• Had excessive exposure to UV light over time (including tanning beds), which causes damage to the DNA in some of the cells in the skin
• More moles than usual (over 50), or having moles on the skin that are larger than normal or irregular in shape
• A previous skin cancer diagnosis or a family history of skin cancer
• Another health condition or medication that weakens the body’s natural immune system
• A lighter or fairer skin tone or a lighter hair color

Melanoma is more likely than other types of skin cancer to spread to other parts of the body. Screening for and detecting melanoma early is the best way to make treatment for the disease as effective as possible. Most people should follow a few simple screening recommendations.

• Perform regular (monthly) self-examinations at home, looking for any changes or new growths in the shape, size, color or feel of any moles on the body.
• See a dermatologist at least once a year or more frequently for people at higher risk of melanoma. Dermatologists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the skin.
• Consider genetic testing if there is a family or personal history of melanoma or other cancers. Genetic tests can help determine if someone is at a higher risk of melanoma due to their unique genetic makeup.

While there’s no guarantee that anyone can prevent melanoma, there are certain things people can do to reduce their risk of developing the disease.

• Limit the skin’s exposure to natural sunlight, which contains UV rays that can cause damage to the skin’s cells
• Do not use tanning beds, which expose the skin to artificial UV light
• When out in the sun, use sunscreen, wear sunglasses and put on clothing that protects the skin from the sun’s rays
• Make sure children and young adults always use sunscreen and sun-protective clothing when they are outside