Debunking Common Myths – and sharing what everyone should know
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By Stephanie H. Greco, MD, FACS
As a surgical oncologist, I care for many people with melanoma — who are stunned by the diagnosis. Many people believe that skin cancer only happens after severe sunburns – only affects certain people. Others never imagined that melanoma could appear in areas with low sun exposure.
The truth is melanoma can affect everyone.
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. While it accounts for only a small percentage of skin cancer diagnoses, it causes the majority of skin cancer-related deaths. When discovered early, melanoma is often highly treatable. When found later, it can spread to lymph nodes and internal organs.
That’s why it’s so important to address common myths about melanoma. Below are four misconceptions I see frequently – and the facts I wish everyone knew.
Melanoma myth 1: You have to have a severe sunburn to get melanoma.
Sunburns do damage the skin. But melanoma is not usually the result of a single bad burn.
Instead, melanoma risk is most strongly linked to intermittent, intense ultraviolet (UV) exposure over time, particularly during childhood and adolescence. Melanoma can also develop on skin that has had minimal sun exposure.
While about 90% of cutaneous melanomas are associated with UV radiation – from the sun or indoor tanning – this risk builds over years, not from one event.
You may be at higher risk if you:
- Had multiple blistering sunburns, especially as a teen
- Used tanning beds, particularly before age 20
- Used tanning devices multiple times
Risk also increases if you have:
- A family history of melanoma
- A personal history of other skin cancers
The fact is: UV exposure raises melanoma risk – but it’s about cumulative damage, not a single sunburn.
To reduce risk:
- Avoid indoor tanning entirely
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors or sweating
Melanoma myth 2: Melanoma only affects white people.
While melanoma is more common in people with lighter skin, people of all races, ethnicities, and skin tones can develop melanoma.
In fact, when melanoma is diagnosed in people with darker skin, it is often found at a more advanced stage, when treatment is more complex and outcomes are worse.
Several factors contribute to this disparity:
- Lower awareness that melanoma can affect people with darker skin
- Less familiarity with how melanoma can look on skin of color
- Melanoma appearing in less obvious areas, such as the soles of the feet or under the nails
Melanin does provide some natural protection from UV rays – but not enough to eliminate risk. Even the darkest skin tones offer protection roughly equivalent to SPF 13, well below what’s recommended for effective sun protection.
The fact is: Melanoma affects people of all skin types.
At Fox Chase, our melanoma specialists have extensive experience diagnosing and treating melanoma in people of all backgrounds and skin tones. We are committed to equitable, expert care for every patient.
To protect yourself:
- Perform regular head-to-toe skin checks
- Learn what melanoma may look like on your skin tone
Use sunscreen consistently, even if you’re not traditionally “high risk.”
Melanoma myth 3: Melanoma only occurs on sun-exposed skin.
Many melanomas do appear on commonly sun-exposed areas like the face, scalp, arms, or legs – but not all melanomas follow this pattern.
There are rare but serious forms of melanoma that develop in areas most people don’t expect. These types are often diagnosed later and can have a poorer prognosis.
- Acral lentiginous melanoma appears on the palms, soles, or under the nails. It may resemble a callus, bruise, sore, or dark streak in the nail.
- This is the most common melanoma subtype in people of Black or Asian descent.
- Ocular melanoma develops inside the eye and may cause vision changes or a dark spot on the iris.
- Mucosal melanoma arises from mucous membranes, such as inside the mouth, nose, or genitals.
The fact is: Melanoma can develop in places that rarely – or never – see the sun.
That’s why it’s important to check your entire body, including:
- Feet and between toes
- Under and around nails
- Inside the mouth
- The eyes
If something doesn’t heal, keeps returning, or doesn’t look right – get it checked.
Melanoma myth 4: A base tan or tanning bed protects you from melanoma.
Any change in skin color after UV exposure is a sign of skin damage – not protection.
There is no such thing as a “safe” or “protective” base tan. Indoor tanning beds are especially dangerous:
- They can emit 10-15 times more UV radiation than midday sun
- Using tanning beds before age 35 increases melanoma risk by about 75%
- Tanning beds are classified as carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organization
The fact is: The only safe tan is a sunless one.
If you like the look of tanned skin, choose bronzers, self-tanners, or spray tans – without sacrificing your long-term health.
Know the warning signs of melanoma
No matter your age or skin color, knowing the ABCDEs of melanoma can save lives. Watch for spots that are:
- Asymmetrical
- Border irregularity
- Color changing or uneven
- Diameter larger than a pencil eraser (though smaller lesions can still be melanoma)
- Evolving – changing in size, shape, color, or sensation
Most skin changes are not cancer – but when in doubt, it’s always better to have it checked.
Expert melanoma care at Fox Chase
Whether you’re concerned about a skin change or have already been diagnosed, Fox Chase Cancer Center offers comprehensive melanoma expertise – from early detection through survivorship.
Our multidisciplinary team provides:
- Advanced diagnostics
- Surgical and medical oncology expertise
- Access to clinical trials
- Compassionate, individualized care
Call 888-369-2427 or request an appointment online to connect with one of our melanoma specialists
Why choose Fox Chase Cancer Center for melanoma care?
At Fox Chase Cancer Center, melanoma care is guided by decades of cancer-only expertise and a deep commitment to improving outcomes for every patient.
As one of the nation’s original comprehensive cancer centers, Fox Chase brings together specialized surgical oncologists, dermatologists, medical oncologists, and researchers who focus exclusively on cancer – allowing for highly coordinated, individualized care.
Patients benefit from:
- Deep melanoma expertise, including rare and complex subtypes
- Advanced diagnostic and surgical techniques focused on precision and preservation of function
- Access to clinical trials offering innovative therapies not widely available elsewhere
- A longstanding commitment to equitable care and improving outcomes for patients of all backgrounds and skin tones.
At Fox Chase, we don’t just treat melanoma – we work to diagnose it earlier, treat it more effectively, and support patients at every step of their journey.
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