CHILDHOOD SUNBURN DOUBLES THE CHANCE OF DEVELOPING MELANOMA LATER IN LIFE

London Dermatology | 16 March 2025

Skin cancer includes malignant melanoma. Melanocytes, the skin’s pigment-producing cells, are the source of this skin cancer. Melanomas always develop on skin that has been sunburnt. Pre-existing moles, particularly unusual moles, account for one-third of them. Childhood sunburn doubles the chance of developing melanoma later in life.

A person’s chance of developing melanoma is further increased by a personal or family history of skin cancer. Melanomas can be identified using the ABCDE rule, just like ANS moles (moles on a person who has 50+ moles). In other words, malignant melanomas can be recognised by their asymmetry, ragged borders, multicolority, huge diameter, and developing nature. 

It is possible for harmful melanomas to spread throughout the body and result in death. Under local anaesthesia, early melanomas can be easily removed surgically. The fact that early treatment saves lives should not be overlooked.