{"id":8735,"date":"2023-06-21T15:42:34","date_gmt":"2023-06-21T15:42:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/?post_type=story&#038;p=8735"},"modified":"2026-01-28T16:49:44","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T16:49:44","slug":"understanding-melanoma-signs-symptoms-and-risk-factors","status":"publish","type":"story","link":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/stories\/understanding-melanoma-signs-symptoms-and-risk-factors\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding melanoma: Signs, symptoms and risk factors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile full has-background\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(29,134,128) 0%,rgb(29,134,128) 100%)\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<style>\n.green { color: #1d8680; line-height: 1.5rem; }\n.greenbg { background: #1d8680; padding: 2rem 10rem 3rem 10rem; }\n.offwhite { background: #F7F7F7; padding: 4rem 4rem 0px; }\n.white { color: #fff; }\n.white ul li::before, .greenbg ul li::before { color: #fff !important; }\n.lrg-txt { line-height: 2.5rem; }\n.lightgrey { background: #F7F7F7; padding: 2rem 5rem 3rem 5rem; }\n.nogap { gap: 0 !important; }\n.lftbrdr { border-left: 2px #ffffff solid; padding-left: 2rem; margin-right: 1rem; }\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading white\"><strong>Understanding melanoma: Signs, symptoms and risk factors<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-flow: row nowrap;\">\n<p class=\"text-descriptive\" style=\"color: white;\">Share this article<\/p>\n            <p style=\"margin-left: 2rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/?post_type=story&amp;p=5882\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Share this article on Facebook\" rel=\"noopener\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\">\n    <path fill=\"#ffffff\" d=\"M6.023 16L6 9H3V6h3V4c0-2.7 1.672-4 4.08-4 1.153 0 2.144.086 2.433.124v2.821h-1.67c-1.31 0-1.563.623-1.563 1.536V6H13l-1 3H9.28v7H6.023z\"><\/path>\n<\/svg>\n<\/a><\/p>\n            \n            <p style=\"margin-left: 2rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/sharing\/share-offsite\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.merck.ca%2Fen%2F%3Fpost_type%3Dstory%26p%3D5882\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Share this article on LinkedIn\" rel=\"noopener\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\">\n    <path fill=\"#ffffff\" d=\"M15.205 0H.695C.299 0 0 .3 0 .7v14.7c0 .3.298.6.696.6h14.608c.398 0 .696-.3.696-.7V.7c-.1-.4-.398-.7-.795-.7zM4.671 13.6H2.385V6H4.77v7.6h-.1zM3.578 5c-.795 0-1.392-.7-1.392-1.4 0-.8.597-1.4 1.392-1.4.795 0 1.39.6 1.39 1.4-.098.7-.695 1.4-1.39 1.4zm9.938 8.6H11.13V9.9c0-.9 0-2-1.192-2-1.193 0-1.391 1-1.391 2v3.8H6.16V6h2.286v1c.298-.6 1.093-1.2 2.187-1.2 2.385 0 2.782 1.6 2.782 3.6v4.2h.1z\"><\/path>\n<\/svg>\n<\/a><\/p>\n            <p style=\"margin-left: 2rem;\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Supporting Cancer Patients Through Scholarships For Nurses&amp;body=https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/?post_type=story&amp;p=5882\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Share this article on Email\" rel=\"noopener\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\">\n    <path fill=\"#ffffff\" d=\"M16 5.7V14c0 .6-.4 1-1 1H1c-.6 0-1-.4-1-1V5.7l7.5 4.2c.28.14.72.14 1 0L16 5.7zM15 1c.6 0 1 .4 1 1v1.5L8 7.9 0 3.4V2c0-.6.4-1 1-1z\"><\/path>\n<\/svg>\n<\/a><\/p>            \n<\/div>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3864\" height=\"2576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/06\/Celebration-of-life_parent-and-child-in-garden_hi_300dpi-1.jpeg?w=1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8737 size-full\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading green\">What is melanoma?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Melanoma is a very serious form of skin cancer because it can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Characterized by the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes\u2014the pigment-producing cells that gives skin, hair, and eyes their colour\u2014melanoma is responsible for the vast majority of skin cancer deaths in Canada. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Melanoma can affect anyone regardless of sex, age or race, can occur anywhere on the skin, including areas without much sun exposure, but it is more likely to start in certain locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns full lightgrey has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,255,255) 0%,rgb(255,255,255) 88%)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile has-background\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(247,247,247,0) 5%,rgba(247,247,247,0) 86%);grid-template-columns:40% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"466\" height=\"484\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/06\/Artboard-21_2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8775 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The back or lower legs are the most common sites for women<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The head, neck, and back are the most common sites for men<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The chance of developing melanoma skin cancer increases with age, but can also develop in younger people, including those aged less than 30.<sup>7<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(58,132,124) 2%,rgb(58,132,124) 100%)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center white\"><strong>Incidences of melanoma have more than tripled<br>in the last 30 years in Canada<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 40%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Approximately 11,300<\/strong> new cases of melanoma of the skin were estimated to be diagnosed in Canadians in 2024.<sup>7<\/sup> This represents an increase of 17% from 2023.<sup>7<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About 6,500 men | About 4,800 women<sup>7<\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Approximately 1,300<\/strong> Canadians were expected to die of melanoma in 2024.7 While melanoma accounts for a small percent of all skin cancers, it causes a large majority of skin cancer deaths.<sup>8<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"466\" height=\"484\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/02\/Artboard-21_2-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7122 size-full\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns full lightgrey has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(26deg,rgb(247,247,247) 10%,rgb(247,247,247) 100%)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading green\">Signs and symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A new spot on the skin \u2014 one that changes in size, shape or colour, or one that looks different \u2014 can be a warning sign of melanoma and should be checked by a doctor. The ABCDE rule outlines the characteristics of moles that may be melanomas and is helpful guidance for monitoring skin changes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"154\" height=\"154\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/06\/Group-12.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8777 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>A is for Asymmetry <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The shape of one half of the mole appears different than the other.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"154\" height=\"154\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/06\/Group-13.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8778 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>B is for Border <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The edges of the mole are irregular, blurred, or ragged.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"154\" height=\"154\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/06\/Group-14.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8779 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>C is for Colour<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s unusual in colour, with different shades of tan, brown, black, or sometimes with blue, gray, red, pink, or white.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"155\" height=\"154\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/06\/Group-16.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8782 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>D is for Diameter <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A mole that is greater than the size of a pencil eraser (6mm) from edge to edge.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"154\" height=\"155\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/06\/Group-15.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8780 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>E is for Evolving <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A mole that changed over time or may be itchy, scaly, or bleeding.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"green\"><strong>Check your skin regularly using the ABCDE rule. You should do so on a monthly basis and don\u2019t be shy to ask a partner or loved one to help check those hard-to-see places.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading green\">Certain risk factors for melanoma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, such as sunlight and indoor tanning beds or lamps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Many moles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Atypical moles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fair skin, and light-coloured eyes and hair<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Personal or family history of skin cancer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CDKN2A gene mutation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weakened immune system<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Patient support groups play an important role in&nbsp;providing information about risk factors and symptoms&nbsp;as well as support for patients and caregivers. There are a number of these&nbsp;organizations&nbsp;in Canada, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.melanomanetwork.ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Melanoma Canada<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/saveyourskin.ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Save Your Skin<\/a> and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canadianskin.ca\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Canadian Skin Patient Alliance<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading green\">Ways to help lower risk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Melanoma can\u2019t be entirely prevented, but there are ways to help lower your risk. The number one way to lower risk is to protect against UV rays, which can damage the DNA in skin cells and lead to cancer. The top source of UV rays is the sun. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to practice sun safety every time you go outside, even on cloudy days when UV rays can still shine through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns full lightgrey has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(247,247,247) 6%,rgb(247,247,247) 100%)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Here are a few ways to protect yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:15% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"260\" height=\"260\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/06\/Asset-4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8847 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Use sunscreen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:15% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"347\" height=\"348\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/06\/Asset-3-1.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8795 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Seek shade<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>UV exposure is greatest between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you need to be outside during these hours, seek shade \u2013 under a tree, an umbrella or an awning.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:15% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1392\" height=\"1392\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/06\/Asset-2.png?w=1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8784 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Cover up<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cover your skin as much as possible with tight-woven or UV protection clothing. Also wear a wide-brimmed hat at least 2 or 3 inches wide to protect your face, top of head, ears and neck.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:15% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"347\" height=\"348\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/06\/Group-19.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8787 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Wear sunglasses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Protect your eyes and the sensitive skin around them. Pick a close-fitting pair that blocks UVA and UVB rays.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:15% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"347\" height=\"348\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/06\/Asset-3.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8794 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Keep it natural<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on melanoma and some ways to help prevent it, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.practiceskintimacy.ca\">www.practiceskintimacy.ca<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><sup>1<\/sup> American Cancer Society. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/risk-prevention\/sun-and-uv\/uv-radiation.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/risk-prevention\/sun-and-uv\/uv-radiation.html<\/a>. Last accessed June 5, 2023.<br><sup>2<\/sup> Cancer.net. Melanoma: Statistics. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.net\/cancer-types\/melanoma\/statistics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.cancer.net\/cancer-types\/melanoma\/statistics<\/a>. Last accessed May 17, 2023.<br><sup>3<\/sup>&nbsp;&nbsp;Canadian Cancer Society. Reducing your risk for melanoma skin cancer. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/cancer.ca\/en\/cancer-information\/cancer-types\/melanoma-skin\/what-is-melanoma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/cancer.ca\/en\/cancer-information\/cancer-types\/melanoma-skin\/what-is-melanoma<\/a>. Last accessed May 17, 2023.<br><sup>4<\/sup> &nbsp;Canadian Cancer Society. Risk factors for melanoma skin cancer. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/cancer.ca\/en\/cancer-information\/cancer-types\/skin-melanoma\/risks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/cancer.ca\/en\/cancer-information\/cancer-types\/skin-melanoma\/risks<\/a>. Last accessed May 17, 2023.<br><sup>5<\/sup>&nbsp;Canadian Cancer Society. Types of melanoma skin cancer. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/cancer.ca\/en\/cancer-information\/cancer-types\/skin-melanoma\/what-is-melanoma\/types-of-melanoma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/cancer.ca\/en\/cancer-information\/cancer-types\/skin-melanoma\/what-is-melanoma\/types-of-melanoma<\/a>. Last accessed June 5, 2023.<br><sup>6<\/sup>&nbsp;Canadian Cancer Society. Melanoma skin cancer statistics. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/cancer.ca\/en\/cancer-information\/cancer-types\/skin-melanoma\/statistics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/cancer.ca\/en\/cancer-information\/cancer-types\/skin-melanoma\/statistics<\/a>. Last accessed June 5, 2023.<br><sup>7<\/sup> Canadian Cancer Society. What is melanoma skin cancer? Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/cancer.ca\/en\/cancer-information\/cancer-types\/skin-melanoma\/what-is-melanoma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/cancer.ca\/en\/cancer-information\/cancer-types\/skin-melanoma\/what-is-melanoma<\/a>. Last accessed May 17, 2023.<br><sup>8<\/sup>&nbsp;Mayo Clinic. Melanoma. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/melanoma\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20374884\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/melanoma\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20374884<\/a>. Last accessed June 5, 2023.<br><sup>9<\/sup>&nbsp;Melanoma Canada. How to detect melanoma. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.melanomanetwork.ca\/melanomadetection\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.melanomanetwork.ca\/melanomadetection\/<\/a>. Last accessed May 17, 2023.<br><sup>10<\/sup> Melanoma Canada. Melanoma Stats and Facts. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.melanomanetwork.ca\/melanoma\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.melanomanetwork.ca\/stats-and-facts\/<\/a>. Last accessed May 17, 2023.<br><sup>11<\/sup> Melanoma Canada. What is melanoma? Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.melanomanetwork.ca\/melanoma\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.melanomanetwork.ca\/melanoma\/<\/a>. Last accessed May 17, 2023.<br><sup>12<\/sup> Public Health Agency of Canada. Skin cancer. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/public-health\/services\/sun-safety\/skin-cancer.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/public-health\/services\/sun-safety\/skin-cancer.html<\/a>. Last accessed May 17, 2023. <br><sup>13<\/sup> Melanoma Network of Canada. Sun Safety. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.melanomanetwork.ca\/sunsafetycouncil\/staysunsafe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.melanomanetwork.ca\/sunsafetycouncil\/staysunsafe\/<\/a>. Last accessed June 5, 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\" style=\"font-size:10px\">CA-NON-04203<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understanding melanoma: Signs, symptoms and risk factors Share this article What is melanoma? Melanoma is a very serious form of skin cancer because it can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Characterized by the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes\u2014the pigment-producing cells that gives skin, hair, and eyes their colour\u2014melanoma is responsible for the vast [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":9516,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"bdl_company_name":[],"bdl_item_external_link":[],"footnotes":""},"tags":[27],"content_topic":[],"admin_field":[],"class_list":["post-8735","story","type-story","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-oncology"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.9.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Understanding melanoma: Signs, symptoms and risk factors - Merck Canada<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/stories\/understanding-melanoma-signs-symptoms-and-risk-factors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Understanding melanoma: Signs, symptoms and risk factors - Merck Canada\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Understanding melanoma: Signs, symptoms and risk factors Share this article What is melanoma? Melanoma is a very serious form of skin cancer because it can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Characterized by the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes\u2014the pigment-producing cells that gives skin, hair, and eyes their colour\u2014melanoma is responsible for the vast [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/stories\/understanding-melanoma-signs-symptoms-and-risk-factors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Merck Canada\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-01-28T16:49:44+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/06\/Celebration-of-life_parent-and-child-in-garden_hi_300dpi-1-1.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"682\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/stories\/understanding-melanoma-signs-symptoms-and-risk-factors\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/stories\/understanding-melanoma-signs-symptoms-and-risk-factors\/\",\"name\":\"Understanding melanoma: Signs, symptoms and risk factors - Merck Canada\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2023-06-21T15:42:34+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-28T16:49:44+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/stories\/understanding-melanoma-signs-symptoms-and-risk-factors\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/stories\/understanding-melanoma-signs-symptoms-and-risk-factors\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/stories\/understanding-melanoma-signs-symptoms-and-risk-factors\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Stories\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/stories-archive\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Understanding melanoma: Signs, symptoms and risk factors\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/\",\"name\":\"Merck Canada\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Understanding melanoma: Signs, symptoms and risk factors - Merck Canada","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/stories\/understanding-melanoma-signs-symptoms-and-risk-factors\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Understanding melanoma: Signs, symptoms and risk factors - Merck Canada","og_description":"Understanding melanoma: Signs, symptoms and risk factors Share this article What is melanoma? Melanoma is a very serious form of skin cancer because it can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Characterized by the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes\u2014the pigment-producing cells that gives skin, hair, and eyes their colour\u2014melanoma is responsible for the vast [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/stories\/understanding-melanoma-signs-symptoms-and-risk-factors\/","og_site_name":"Merck Canada","article_modified_time":"2026-01-28T16:49:44+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":682,"url":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/06\/Celebration-of-life_parent-and-child-in-garden_hi_300dpi-1-1.jpeg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/stories\/understanding-melanoma-signs-symptoms-and-risk-factors\/","url":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/stories\/understanding-melanoma-signs-symptoms-and-risk-factors\/","name":"Understanding melanoma: Signs, symptoms and risk factors - Merck Canada","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/#website"},"datePublished":"2023-06-21T15:42:34+00:00","dateModified":"2026-01-28T16:49:44+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/stories\/understanding-melanoma-signs-symptoms-and-risk-factors\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/stories\/understanding-melanoma-signs-symptoms-and-risk-factors\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/stories\/understanding-melanoma-signs-symptoms-and-risk-factors\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Stories","item":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/stories-archive\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Understanding melanoma: Signs, symptoms and risk factors"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/","name":"Merck Canada","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"acf":[],"extended_data":{"featured_image":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/06\/Celebration-of-life_parent-and-child-in-garden_hi_300dpi-1-1.jpeg?w=1024","acf_fields":{"page_text_direction_selection":"ltr","show_section":false,"related_content_section_heading":"","story_one_selection":"select","related_content_item_one":false,"story_two_selection":"select","related_content_item_two":false,"story_three_selection":"select","related_content_item_three":false,"mco_page_tracking_data":"","scroll-to-top":false,"subheader_title":"","secondary_image":false,"video_hosting_selection":"youtube","youtube_url":"","primary_cta":"Read more","secondary_cta":"","heading_level":"","video_accessible_name":"","primary_cta_aria_label":"","secondary_cta_aria_label":"","mcc_page_job_number":"","show_image_captions":false}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/story\/8735","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/story"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/story"}],"version-history":[{"count":94,"href":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/story\/8735\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11989,"href":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/story\/8735\/revisions\/11989"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9516"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8735"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8735"},{"taxonomy":"content_topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content_topic?post=8735"},{"taxonomy":"Admin Field","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.merck.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/admin_field?post=8735"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}