When talking about melanoma prevention is not really possible. The best way to protect yourself from melanoma is to know the risk factors and frequently check your body for moles. There are many risk factors that are associated with melanoma. People that have certain types of moles, lots of moles or large moles have an increased risk for melanoma. People that have fair skin, freckles, or light hair have a risk twenty times higher than those with darker coloration. Family history also can increase the risk of getting melanoma. If a person has a family history of melanoma then they need to watch out for changing moles. Taking medications that suppress the immune system also increases the risk of melanoma. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation is also a big risk factor. People that receive large amounts of uv-radiation from the sun or from tanning beds may sunburn their skin. People who have had severe, blistering sunburns, particularly in their early childhood or teenage years, are also at increased risk of developing melanoma. Some dermatologist say that intermittent, intense exposure is more likely to cause melanoma than lower level gradual sun exposure (2).

Another "hot topic" in skin cancer research is the effectiveness of sunscreens. Some researchers say that if appropriately used (a sun protection factore of at least 15) then may protect from sunburn and some excessive uv rays. Unfortunately, some researchers argue that sunscreens encourage people to spend more time in the sun and are therefore exposed to higher levels of uv radiation. The burn people recieve from the sun is the body's way of saying "go inside!" If the skin does not burn because of sunscreen deeper damage may still be occuring (4).