Difficult News and A Reminder of the Impact of Melanoma

Today we would like to acknowledge the recent death of Brandon Blackstock from melanoma. Our sympathy goes out to his family, friends, and fans. His passing is a reminder that melanoma is a serious health threat that can affect us all. Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer, with common causes including UV exposure and other risk factors such as family history.

Melanoma is on the Rise in Younger Adults

Melanoma can affect people of all ages, including younger adults. Importantly, melanoma incidence has been rising in younger adults under 40 years old, with a notable increase among women.^1,2

Timing Matters

Early detection is important to increase treatment options and to provide a higher cure rate.

What You Should Do

1. Identify any known risk factors, such as a family history of skin cancer.
2. Learn how to identify suspicious moles or spots using the ABCDE method (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving) in regular skin self-exams.
3. Schedule professional skin checks with your doctor.
4. Reduce your risk by wearing sunscreen, using sun protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds.
5. Share this information to raise awareness.

How AIM at Melanoma Can Help

AIM at Melanoma is committed to education, advocacy, and patient support. Through education and prevention, fewer lives will be lost to melanoma. Please encourage those affected by melanoma to reach out to us for help, join our peer support group, and access our educational materials. You can get involved with AIM’s mission here.

Helpful Links/For More Information

Want to learn more or take action? Explore the links below:

• Know the Signs – Learn the common warning signs and symptoms of melanoma to watch out for.
• Check Yourself – A step-by-step guide on how to perform a skin self-exam at home.
• When to See a Doctor – Understand when it’s time to get a professional opinion.
• Why Early Detection Matters – Discover how catching melanoma early can make all the difference.
• Explore Treatment Options – From surgery to targeted therapies, learn what’s available if you or someone you love is diagnosed.

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References:

1. Shiels MS, et al. Trends in Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates in Early-Onset and Older-Onset Age Groups in the United States, 2010–2019. Cancer Discov. 2025:1363–1376. Available at: https://aacrjournals.org/cancerdiscovery/article-abstract/15/7/1363/763190/Trends-in-Cancer-Incidence-and-Mortality-Rates-in?redirectedFrom=fulltext

2. An S, et al. Indoor Tanning and the Risk of Overall and Early-Onset Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers. 2021;13(23):5940. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13235940