Malignant Melanoma: Prevention

To prevent malignant melanoma, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors.

Behavioral risk factors

  • UV exposure (especially: UV-B radiation; solariums?)Note: Moderate solarium use should not lead to an increased risk of melanoma.
  • In men: overweight (BMI ≥ 25; obesity).

Environmental pollution – intoxications (poisonings).

  • Radon
  • UV light

Prevention factors (protective factors)

  • Genetic factors:
    • Genetic risk reduction depending on gene polymorphisms:
      • Genes/SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphism):
        • Gene: ATM
        • SNP: rs1801516 in gene ATM
          • Allele constellation: AA (0.86-fold).
  • Sun protection [S3 guideline: see below].
    • Avoidance of strong sunlight (see also UV index: the UV index (UVI) is a standardized measure of sunburn-effective solar irradiance (ultraviolet radiation).); Staying indoors is better than putting on sunscreen!In general, the UV index is considered to be a measure of the strongest solar radiation around midday (maximum daily value).
    • Wearing appropriate clothing is preferable to the use of sunscreen as individual sun protection.
    • Application of sunscreen
      • “Sunscreens should be used for skin areas that cannot be protected in any other way”.
      • “The use of sunscreens should not lead to prolonging the stay in the sun”.

Secondary prevention