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What You Need to Know about Melanoma
World Melanoma Day takes place in May. Here’s what you need to know about Melanoma…
There are two main categories of skin cancer, namely, melanoma (malignant melanoma) and non-melanoma.
Melanoma, is less common than other skin cancers, but it is the most dangerous.
Melanoma is the 6th most prevalent cancer for men and the 7th most prevalent for women in South Africa according to the latest National Cancer Registry 2024 (NCR) statistics, with the estimated lifetime risk for males being 1:177 and for females 1:296.
Check Your Moles
It’s important to know what is normal for your skin and to get a loved one to check in places that you can’t see, at least once per month.
Lower Your Risk
Anyone, regardless of skin tone can get a melanoma.
Excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation received as a child, increases the risk of melanoma later in life, though it may be possible to have a melanoma even if you haven’t had extreme UV exposure.
Melanoma can happen after intense UV exposure (think of very bad sunburns), especially in people whose genes put them at risk for the disease. But it can also happen due to everyday UV exposure, without burning, over a long time.
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are the main cause.
Artificial sunlight (such as from tanning beds) can also trigger melanoma of the skin. UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, prompting them to multiply rapidly and become cancer.
People most at risk include:
- People with fair skin, especially with light hair and eye colour
- People who have had many blistering sunburns, especially as a child or teenager
- People with several large or many small moles, including beauty marks and brown blemishes
- Unusual moles run in the family
- Skin cancer (any type) has been diagnosed in a family member
- People with weak immune systems
INFOGRAPHIC: Melanoma (available in several African languages)
10% Discount to Put in Your Diary
Make a mental note to go to Dermaclinical’s online store on Monday, 25 May 2026 to purchase quality protection against the sun’s harmful rays…
Dermaclinical encourages the public to wear their SPF with purpose.
From the 25th of May to 31st of May 2026, 10% of all Dermaclinical SPF sales will be donated to CANSA in support of our work in cancer research, education and patient care. Read more…
CANSA Seal of Recognition – Sun Protection Partners
Products in the Protection category offer protection against natural environmental elements that may lead to cancer, such as solar radiation, contaminated water and air pollution.
These products include, but are not limited to: sunscreens, UV-protective garments & sun gear, sunglasses, shade items, solar and other radiation warning devices.
Listen to our On the CANSA Couch podcast with Dr Donny Fick, a Johannesburg-based general practitioner, avid runner, and passionate advocate for skin cancer awareness.
Drawing on his experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery, media medicine, and everyday general practice, Dr Fick unpacks why skin cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers – yet continues to affect thousands of South Africans, particularly older adults.
Melanoma Survivor’s Share Journey
Naniki Seboni, never thought she would be diagnosed with Melanoma, thinking it only affected older, and white people.
Sonia Katzenberg, often fell asleep around the pool and got sunburnt, as a child…
Here they share their journeys with Melanoma…
Please share this information to raise awareness of lowering risk of Melanoma
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Did You Know?
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cancer treatment, dietary tips, stoma care and pain management – enquire at info@cansa.org.za; our Advocacy department assists patients experiencing stock shortages, delays in screening and cancer treatment, and lack of access to appropriate pain management medications; transport to and from cancer treatment centres is provided to our cancer patients staying at CANSA Care Homes, who would otherwise live too far away to receive treatment. Children and teens with cancer and their parents / guardians stay at our CANSA TLC Lodges for free during treatment. Our two TLC wig banks for children / teens provide free wigs to those in need.
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