Sun Safety and Melanoma

Melanoma and its risk factors

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer for teenagers and young adults (ages 15 to 29). It is also the deadliest form of skin cancer. Melanoma is, however, highly preventable and if diagnosed early, the chances of it being cured are high.

Melanoma dermal-epidermal illustration

Melanoma typically begins at the dermal-epidermal junction. As it grows, it invades deeper into the skin and can metastasize (spread to other parts of the body).

Although having light features – such as fair skin – is a risk factor for melanoma, people of any race and with any skin type can develop it.

Risk Factors for Melanoma

  • Light features (red or bond hair; light-colored eye; fair skin)
  • Family history of melanoma
  • Being born with certain mole(s)
  • UV light exposure

Black patients are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma at a more advanced stage than white patients.

3X
Black patients are more than three times as likely to be diagnosed with melanoma at later stages than non-Hispanic White patients.


5-Year Melanoma Survival Rate 
(all stages: sexes combined *)
White94%
American Indian and Alaska Native86%
Hispanic83%
Asian American and Pacific Islander77%
Black70%
* Copyright American Cancer Society 2025, Data Source Epidemiology and End Results 22 registries, National Cancer Institute 2024.

Melanoma prevention and sun safety

Melanoma prevention involves making small changes to your daily routine, such as applying sunscreen and wearing sun-protective clothing. Your sunscreen should have a minimum SPF of 30 and should be reapplied often, ideally every 2 or so hours. Consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.

Early detection is just as important as prevention. Conduct a monthly self-exam (look for the “ABCDEs” listed below) and see a board-certified dermatologist annually for a skin exam. You can check for free skin cancer screening programs.

If you find a concerning mole, see a board-certified dermatologist.

Melanoma Prevention & Early Detection, Diagnosis

Melanoma Prevention & Early Detection, Diagnosis
PreventionEarly detectionDiagnosis
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hat
Sun-protective clothing		Dermatologist skin exam
Self-exam		See a board-certified dermatologist
Biopsy
Treatment


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What Watertown is doing

The City of Watertown has partnered with IMPACT Melanoma to provide free sunscreen at 5 parks throughout the city!

The sunscreen dispenser locations are below:

  • Arsenal Community Park (485 Arsenal St)                                                          
  • Bemis Park (76 Bridge St)
  • Filippello Park (191 Grove St)                                                                  
  • Saltonstall Park (149 Main St)
  • Victory Field (40 Orchard St)

screenshot of sunscreen locations in a map of Watertown

For More Information

For more information on sun safety and skin cancer, please see the following websites:

Impact Melanoma
American Cancer Society
CDC - Skin Cancer
NIH National Cancer Institute - Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program
AAD - Find a Dermatologist
AAD - Free Cancer Screenings
AAD Infographic: Skin Cancer Bosy Mole Map