The Times Australia
Health

.

Existing Moles Are Not Responsible For Most Melanomas

  • Written by NewsServices.com

The summer is reaching its end and the time has come to put away the sandals, beach gear, and bathing suits. After spending more time out in the sun over the summer than any other season, the start of fall is an excellent time to conduct a self-exam of your skin. As you put away your summer seasonal supplies once and for all, however, don’t forget to leave out the broad-spectrum sunscreen to use throughout the year.

A recent study found that most melanomas are the result of new spots that appear on the skin and reported that existing moles are only responsible for less than one-third of melanomas. There is also additional research that reports that less than 50% of the sunscreen consumers purchase has broad-spectrum protection.

Researchers reviewed 38 studies that covered 20,126 cases of melanoma and determined that 29% of melanoma cases were the result of an existing mole, whereas 71% of melanoma cases were caused by new spots on the skin. Furthermore, when the melanoma was caused by existing moles, it was typically thinner than other melanomas. In general, this means that patients with melanoma from an existing mole have a better prognosis.

According to Caterina Longo, MD, Ph.D., the study’s author, monitoring existing moles for any changes could help discover melanoma early enough to treat it more easily. However, it is more likely for melanoma to appear because of a new spot on the skin and therefore a greater emphasis should be placed on looking for new spots in a self-exam, in addition to tracking any existing moles.

Though it is still important to examine the skin for any changes to existing moles, The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, or the JAAD, recently published research that suggests it is essential to conduct skin exams to look for new growths because they could lead to the development of melanoma, one of the most fatal types of skin cancer. If you notice any changes on your skin, you should contact a skin cancer specialist.

Routine Self-Exams & Broad-Spectrum Protection

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone conduct routine self-exams of their skin, protect and ask another person to review areas of the body that are difficult for you to see. If you find any new spots or changes to existing moles, contact a dermatologist, especially if there is any bleeding or itching.

It is also encouraged by the AAD to avoid the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays when possible by finding shade, choosing protective clothing, and using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Research that was published in the JAAD, unfortunately shows that only 39% of consumers are looking for broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Roopal V. Kundu, MD, FAAD, the author of the study published by the JAAD, reminds us that there is more to consider than SPF. In her work, she explains the difference between UVA and UVB rays and how broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both.

Times Magazine

Building an AI-First Culture in Your Company

AI isn't just something to think about anymore - it's becoming part of how we live and work, whether we like it or not. At the office, it definitely helps us move faster. But here's the thing: just using tools like ChatGPT or plugging AI into your wo...

Data Management Isn't Just About Tech—Here’s Why It’s a Human Problem Too

Photo by Kevin Kuby Manuel O. Diaz Jr.We live in a world drowning in data. Every click, swipe, medical scan, and financial transaction generates information, so much that managing it all has become one of the biggest challenges of our digital age. Bu...

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

The Times Features

Is our mental health determined by where we live – or is it the other way round? New research sheds more light

Ever felt like where you live is having an impact on your mental health? Turns out, you’re not imagining things. Our new analysis[1] of eight years of data from the New Zeal...

Going Off the Beaten Path? Here's How to Power Up Without the Grid

There’s something incredibly freeing about heading off the beaten path. No traffic, no crowded campsites, no glowing screens in every direction — just you, the landscape, and the...

West HQ is bringing in a season of culinary celebration this July

Western Sydney’s leading entertainment and lifestyle precinct is bringing the fire this July and not just in the kitchen. From $29 lobster feasts and award-winning Asian banque...

What Endo Took and What It Gave Me

From pain to purpose: how one woman turned endometriosis into a movement After years of misdiagnosis, hormone chaos, and major surgery, Jo Barry was done being dismissed. What beg...

Why Parents Must Break the Silence on Money and Start Teaching Financial Skills at Home

Australia’s financial literacy rates are in decline, and our kids are paying the price. Certified Money Coach and Financial Educator Sandra McGuire, who has over 20 years’ exp...

Australia’s Grill’d Transforms Operations with Qlik

Boosting Burgers and Business Clean, connected data powers real-time insights, smarter staffing, and standout customer experiences Sydney, Australia, 14 July 2025 – Qlik®, a g...