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A lifelong commitment to addressing dengue fever

How our colleague’s personal experience fueled his desire to help others

June 10, 2025

With roughly half of the world’s population at risk of contracting dengue fever, Dr. Bin Pangilinan and his colleagues are dedicated to helping address this global health challenge.

Growing up in the Philippines, Pangilinan experienced firsthand the serious impact of dengue, one of the fastest-growing mosquito-borne viral diseases. He saw classmates become ill from the disease and, even though it was not contagious, unfortunately contracted it himself from infected mosquitos multiple times throughout his childhood. The care he received helped shape the course of his life in profound ways.

Pangilinan around 7 years old

His first encounter with dengue at age 7 landed him in the hospital, an experience marked by high fevers and severe body aches. “You would hear about outbreaks in the news, but being at the center of one was entirely different,” he said.

At age 10, a more severe episode required a two-week stay in the hospital — alarming both him and his parents. Finally, at age 15, Pangilinan was diagnosed with dengue once again, a third hospitalization disrupting his college admission tests and highlighting the disease’s unpredictability.

Joining the fight against dengue

His experience with dengue as a child ignited Pangilinan’s passion for medicine, driving him to pursue a career helping others. After completing his medical training, he faced dengue from the other side as a medical intern. “It was one of the most challenging moments in my medical career,” he said. “Treating patients impacted by dengue was a pivotal moment that further fueled my desire to help address this disease.”

Pangilinan during his medical training

Pangilinan’s career journey eventually led him to Merck in 2013, where he’s worked with various groups including advocacy, medical affairs, access and policy to help address infectious diseases. His personal journey inspires his professional work with a unique empathy and understanding, particularly in his current role, where he is part of a team supporting efforts to alleviate the burden of dengue and infectious diseases.

“The commitment of my colleagues and the dedication of the global public health community to fight dengue are incredibly inspiring,” Pangilinan said.

“That passion energizes me every day and drives me to confront this disease and make a difference for those at risk around the world, especially for my hometown in the Philippines, where my story with dengue began.”

Pangilinan and his colleagues remain committed to leveraging science, innovation and collaboration to help address the impact of infectious diseases like dengue on communities around the world.

Dengue facts and figures

Transmission and symptoms

Dengue is spread to people by infected mosquitos. Mild symptoms of dengue infection may include fever, rash and muscle and joint pain, while severe dengue disease can lead to shock, internal bleeding and even death.

Statistics

Around 4 billion people are at risk for dengue.

Dengue is regularly found in more than 100 countries.

Around 105 million dengue infections are estimated to occur around the globe each year.

Around 4 million people may require hospitalization for dengue symptoms each year.

Health awareness

Infectious disease prevention through vaccination

Learn more about how to detect and help prevent many infectious diseases and the vital role vaccines play in helping prevent spread

June 2, 2025

Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that can spread directly or indirectly from one person to another. These diseases can range from mild to severe and can affect various bodily systems, potentially leading to significant health complications and, in some cases, death.

Vaccination is one way we can help protect against certain infectious diseases. The history of vaccines is a remarkable story of scientific innovation and a public health win. Over the years, vaccines have played a critical role in controlling infectious diseases.

However, in recent years, vaccination rates have been declining, which has contributed to outbreaks of some infectious diseases. For example, measles was declared eliminated; yet in 2019, there was a large measles outbreak in the U.S. with 1,274 cases reported across 31 states, which was the greatest number of cases reported in the country since 1992. And as recent as 2025, outbreaks continue to appear in parts of the U.S.

Outbreaks like these are a worrying sign of a heightened risk for the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Information about certain infectious diseases

Hepatitis A | Hepatitis B | Measles | Mumps I Rotavirus I I Rubella

Hepatitis A

The hepatitis A virus is a disease of the liver that spreads when someone ingests the virus, usually through person-to-person contact or by consuming contaminated food or drink. Those infected may feel sick for a few weeks or several months.

Signs and symptoms of hepatitis A

Dark urine or clay-colored stools
Feeling tired
Diarrhea
Fever
Joint pain
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)

Potential risks and complications

In rare cases, hepatitis A can cause liver failure and death.

Hepatitis B

A hepatitis B infection is a disease of the liver that’s transmitted when blood, semen or another body fluid from a person infected with the virus enters the body of someone who is uninfected (e.g., during sexual contact or childbirth). The disease can range from a mild, acute illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, long-term, chronic infection.

Signs and symptoms of hepatitis B

Dark urine or clay-colored stools
Feeling tired
Fever
Joint pain
Nausea, stomach pain or vomiting
Nausea
Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)

Potential risks and complications

Approximately 15%-25% of people with chronic infection develop chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer.

About 9 in 10 infants infected with hepatitis B ultimately develop a chronic infection, with the risk of chronic infection decreasing as the child gets older.

Measles

Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old. The disease spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, with symptoms appearing seven to 14 days after contact with the virus.

By 2000, due to effective use of vaccines, measles was essentially eliminated from the U.S., however, outbreaks continue to occur.

Learn more about measles.

Signs and symptoms of measles

Fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
Spots in mouth
Rash

Potential risks and complications

Complications from measles include ear infections in about 1 in 10 children and diarrhea in fewer than 1 in 10 cases. Some children may suffer from severe complications, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and encephalitis (infection of the brain).

Mumps

Mumps is caused by a virus that affects the salivary glands. The disease spreads through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose or throat. It can take two to four weeks for signs of infection to show.

Before a vaccine was available, mumps was the most common cause of acquired deafness in the U.S.

Signs and symptoms of mumps

Puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Tiredness
Loss of appetite

Potential risks and complications

Although rare, mumps can cause serious complications, which include inflammation of the testicles (a condition known as orchitis).

Rotavirus

Rotavirus commonly spreads in families, hospitals and child care centers with symptoms usually starting about two days after a person is exposed to the virus. Some symptoms can last three to eight days.

Before a vaccine was available, many children who became ill with rotavirus were hospitalized. Now, 94% to 96% of vaccinated children are protected from hospitalization.

Signs and symptoms of rotavirus

Severe watery diarrhea
Vomiting
Fever
Stomach pain
Dehydration
Loss of appetite

Potential risks and complications

Although usually self-limiting, severe illness can result in dehydration with shock or, on rare occasions, even death.

Rubella

Rubella, also known as German measles, spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The disease is usually mild with few noticeable symptoms.

About 25 to 50% of people infected with rubella will not experience symptoms but will still be at risk of spreading the infection to others.

Signs and symptoms of rubella

Fever
Headache
Mild pink eye (redness or swelling of the white of the eye)
General discomfort
Swollen and enlarged lymph nodes
Cough
Runny nose

Potential risks and complications

Rubella is especially dangerous to developing babies during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant and become infected with rubella, there’s an increased risk of having a miscarriage or the baby dying just after birth. The virus can also be passed on to the baby, who may develop congenital rubella syndrome, which includes birth defects such as heart problems, hearing and/or vision problems or developmental delays.

Understanding disease prevention

History shows that vaccines are one of the most effective ways to help protect yourself and your family from many preventable diseases.

By ensuring you and your family are up to date on vaccines, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from a variety of infectious diseases.

Talk to your health care provider about appropriate vaccines for you and your family.

healthcare working putting a bandaid on a child's arm

Vaccines: Our history, our legacy

We’ve spent more than a century working to discover and develop vaccines.

Learn more

Health awareness

Addressing the global shortage of TICE BCG

A new facility will triple our manufacturing capacity and address anticipated global demand for TICE BCG for the foreseeable future

May 30, 2025

Since 2012, when Merck became the sole manufacturer of TICE® BCG BCG LIVE (for intravesical use) in many locations around the world, increasing global demand has outpaced our current maximum manufacturing capabilities. Committed to producing TICE BCG, in 2021 we announced our plans to construct a new manufacturing facility to significantly expand our production capacity for TICE BCG.

Once fully operational, the new facility will triple our current manufacturing capacity, with supply gradually increasing over time, and address global demand for TICE BCG. We’re investing more than $650 million in the new manufacturing facility, which is expected to be fully operational by late 2026 following inspection, regulatory review and approval.

Warehouse used to maintain inventory of materials used for TICE BCG production

This medicine has a lengthy and complex manufacturing process. Each batch takes more than three months to make, 30 days of which are spent waiting for the growth of a bacteria used to make the medicine.

This investment reaffirms Merck’s longstanding commitment to producing this medicine, and all our medicines, for patients who need them. We recognize the impact supply shortages can have on patients when they can’t receive the medicines they need. Until the new facility is complete, we’ll continue to use a system to proportionally allocate TICE BCG to minimize disruption to patient care as much as possible.

If patients have questions regarding TICE BCG, they should speak with their physicians. Additional information related to the shortage, current allocation practices and our efforts to increase supply, including construction of a new manufacturing site, is below.

What caused the TICE BCG shortages and backorders?

Since 2012, when Merck became the sole manufacturer of TICE® BCG BCG LIVE (for intravesical use) in many locations around the world, increasing global demand has outpaced our current maximum manufacturing capabilities. While we have many years of experience producing TICE BCG, this medicine has a lengthy and inherently complex manufacturing process.

Prior to 2012, additional manufacturers supplied the U.S. market with TICE BCG, with Merck providing 30-40% of the U.S. supply. As other manufacturers exited the U.S. market in 2012, Merck increased production of TICE BCG to the full extent allowed by our current manufacturing capacity, which effectively doubled our supply of TICE BCG to the U.S. market.

What’s the latest update on the new TICE BCG facility?

Merck is investing more than $650 million to construct a new manufacturing facility to significantly expand production capacity for TICE BCG (first announced in 2021). We expect the facility to be fully operational by late 2026, following inspection, regulatory review and approval, and will address the anticipated demand for TICE BCG.

Once operational, our manufacturing capacity of TICE BCG will triple, and we expect supply to gradually increase over time following local market review and approvals.

How does the TICE BCG allocation process work?

To minimize disruption to patient care as much as possible until the new facility is complete, we’ll continue to use a system to proportionally allocate TICE BCG based on historical demand or in accordance with existing contractual obligations.

Merck allocates available supply among its network of wholesalers and distributors based on historical purchasing patterns or in accordance with existing contractual obligations. In turn, wholesalers and distributors allocate their inventory of TICE BCG to their own customers. End customers, including hospitals or private physician practices, cannot order product directly from Merck. This process is designed to proportionally allocate TICE BCG to minimize disruption to patient care as much as possible.

Where can I find more information about the availability of TICE BCG?

Patients:
Patients should reach out to their physician, as they are in the best position to answer questions about the availability of the medicine in their practice and can inquire about the quantity and timing of product availability with their supplier.

Health care professionals:
Health care professionals with questions regarding allocation should contact their wholesaler or distributor.

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Innovation

We’re pursuing innovative science with antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) research

Merck scientists are evaluating ADCs to explore novel treatment approaches in both solid tumors and blood cancers

May 19, 2025

3D depiction of an antibody-drug conjugate molecule

What are antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)?

ADCs are a targeted means to transport and deliver chemotherapy to tumor cells. More than two decades since the first approval of an ADC, scientists continue to explore how, by leveraging novel scientific advancements, they can find new ways to better design and develop these molecules in order to better address current unmet needs in cancer treatment.

ADCs are made up of three distinct yet equally important elements — an antibody, a linker and a cytotoxic drug/chemotherapy payload. These elements work together to transport the chemotherapy payload to a specific target expressed on the surface of a cancer cell, bind to the target and then be absorbed into the cell to release the chemotherapy.

Anatomy of an ADC

The antibody serves as the targeting mechanism, like a zip code helping to direct the delivery of the chemotherapy agent to cancerous cells.
The payload, or the chemotherapy agent, is responsible for working to destroy the cancer cell when it’s released.
The linker attaches the chemotherapy agent to the antibody and triggers the release of the chemotherapy agent once inside a cancerous cell.

Watch an animation of an ADC in action

Advancements in the scientific research behind ADCs

Since ADCs were first introduced in 2000, the chemistry and science behind these molecules has advanced significantly, and scientists have developed a greater understanding of what makes a good ADC target and how to design ADCs more effectively.

Tumor antigens, or proteins expressed on the outside of a cancer cell, are what an antibody initially binds to. Scientists now know that characteristics like how quickly an antigen is brought inside the cell and whether an antigen is recycled back to the cell surface are crucially important.

“Imagine ADCs as specialized agents that recognize and bind to specific tumor antigens on cancer cells. Once they attach to these antigens, ADCs are internalized by the cell, allowing the chemotherapy agent to be released directly inside, delivering the treatment where it’s needed most — at the core of the cancer cell.”

Dr. Omobolaji Akala
Associate vice president of oncology early development, Merck Research Laboratories

There have also been notable advancements in both linker and payload chemistry. Scientists have been focused on improving the stability of linkers and reducing the risk of payload release in the body, as well as evaluating where and how many molecules can be incorporated into the payload. Combined, these advancements may help in reducing damage to nearby healthy cells, while releasing a potent payload precisely within a cancer cell.

This evolving understanding of the science is fueling innovative research efforts with the goal of bringing more effective ADCs to patients.

“We’ve learned that designing ADCs is about balancing the right level of tumor antigen expression, the right potency of a cytotoxic agent in the payload, addressing the cell biology through that payload and engineering a payload to release at the right time and in the right place.”

Dr. Marjorie Green
Senior vice president and head of oncology, global clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories

Exploring ADC targets

We’re focusing on proteins associated with poor prognosis across both solid tumors and blood cancers to expand the impact of ADC therapies and address the needs of more patients. Our scientists are also combining ADCs with other innovative treatments such as immunotherapies and T-cell engagers.

By exploring the potential of a broad range of ADC targets and applying new technologies — such as novel linker chemistries, optimized payloads and combination strategies with other therapies — we aim to deepen our understanding of these complex molecules and work to identify and develop new meaningful therapeutic options for patients, aligning with our purpose of using the power of cutting-edge science to save and improve lives around the world.

Learn more about our work in oncology.

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Health awareness

Endometrial cancer: Understanding the signs and symptoms

Learn more about how you can detect endometrial cancer

May 13, 2025

As we age, certain changes can seem like a part of getting older, such as periods that are lighter or heavier than normal, or spotting between cycles. Yet it’s important that we recognize and raise these changes with health care providers because they may signal a more serious issue, such as endometrial cancer.

What is endometrial cancer?

Endometrial cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed gynecologic cancer worldwide. It occurs when cancerous cells form in the tissues of the endometrium or inner lining of the uterus.

How can I learn if I’m at risk for endometrial cancer?

The average age of diagnosis is around 60, with most cases occurring after menopause. Studies show Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with endometrial cancer than white women.

While age, race, family history and lifestyle choices all impact the risk of endometrial cancer, conditions that affect the body’s estrogen levels can also play a role. For example:

Estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy for menopause often includes an increase of unopposed estrogen to manage menopausal symptoms.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) usually creates higher estrogen levels.
Estrogen modulators may cause the uterine lining to grow.
Certain comorbidities, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension, have been linked as risk factors for endometrial cancer. For example, in people with obesity, fat tissue can convert certain hormones into estrogen, which increase the levels in the body.
The number of menstrual periods in a lifetime and a history of no pregnancies can affect estrogen levels. Beginning menstruation at a young age and experiencing menopause at a late age increases exposure to estrogen.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common sign of endometrial cancer, but there are others to keep in mind.

What to watch out for:

Bleeding after menopause
Bleeding between periods
A change in periods
Vaginal spotting
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Pelvic pain or discomfort
Changes to bowel or bladder habits

How is endometrial cancer diagnosed?

As there is no routine screening exam to diagnose endometrial cancer before symptoms begin, it’s important to report signs or symptoms to your doctor right away. For those who have gone through menopause, it’s especially important to report any vaginal bleeding, spotting or abnormal discharge.

Tests to diagnose endometrial cancer may include:

Endometrial biopsy: A thin, flexible tube is inserted into the uterus to collect a tissue sample from the endometrium.
Dilation and curettage: The cervix is dilated to collect tissue from the inner lining of the uterus.
Hysteroscopy: An instrument with a light and lens for viewing is inserted into the uterus to look for abnormal areas.
Transvaginal ultrasound: A probe is inserted into the vagina to produce images that are used to assess the pelvic organs, including the uterus.

Being diagnosed with endometrial cancer can be scary. But by speaking with your doctor, you can better understand your options and build the best path forward.

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Health awareness

When cancer comes back

An oncology researcher explains who's at higher risk for cancer recurrence and what you can do to make it less likely

May 13, 2025

photo of a doctor holding clipboard and pointing something out to the woman sitting next to her

After completing cancer treatment, patients may experience both feelings of joy and relief as well as the fear of cancer returning.

“The thought of cancer coming back can bring on a lot of emotions, but not all recurrences are the same and not all will require active treatment,” said Dr. Marjorie Green, Merck’s senior vice president and head of oncology global clinical development. “It’s important to be aware of the possibility and talk with your doctor to understand your risk.”

What is cancer recurrence?

Cancer recurrence is the return of a previously diagnosed cancer after a period during which it was undetectable. Recurrence can happen weeks, months or even years after the initial diagnosis and treatment. The cancer might come back in the same place it first started, or it might come back somewhere else in the body. The different types of recurrences are:

Local: Cancer returns at the same place it first started.
Regional: Cancer is detected in lymph nodes near the place it first started.
Distant: Cancer comes back in another part of the body.

Who’s at risk for cancer recurrence?

While any cancer can come back, certain types are more likely to return, for example, cancers of the bladder and pancreas. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is hormone-receptor negative, is more likely to recur than hormone-receptor positive breast cancer. Cancers caused by tobacco use also have a higher risk of recurrence.

Beyond cancer type, certain other factors can also influence the likelihood of recurrence, including stage at diagnosis (advanced or metastatic stages may have a higher chance of returning) and tumor growth rate.

Reducing the risk of recurrence

“Because patients who’ve been treated for cancer face a risk of recurrence, staying informed and proactive is essential.”

Dr. Marjorie Green

In addition to eating right and exercising, it’s also important to stay on top of follow-up visits with your health care team. A helpful question to ask during appointments may be: Could cancer spread or come back after surgery?

“Surgery is not always the end of cancer treatment because even if all visible cancer is removed, there still may be some tumor cells remaining in the body that are too few to be detectable on screening or diagnostic tests,” Green said.

Screenings to detect new cancers are important for survivors who might be at higher risk of developing another cancer because of their treatments or from increasing age. Screenings also may help catch potential recurrences at an earlier, more treatable stage.

Learn more about the importance of diagnosing cancer early.

Innovation

Our Q1 2025 financial results

April 24, 2025

Merck’s (NYSE: MRK) Q1 2025 results reflect strong progress, including increasing contributions from newer medicines and vaccines. Our company announced Q1 worldwide sales of $15.5 billion.

“Our company made strong progress to start the year, with increasing contributions from our newer commercialized medicines and vaccines and continued advancement of our pipeline,” said Rob Davis, chairman and chief executive officer. “We are working with focus and urgency to both realize the full potential of our near-term opportunities and to rapidly progress the next wave of innovation that will positively impact the lives of patients and drive future value creation for all of our stakeholders.”

Merck anticipates full-year 2025 worldwide sales to be between $64.1 billion and $65.6 billion.

Take a look at the infographic below for more details on Q1 2025 results.

Read the press release

Download infographic

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Health awareness

Supporting colleagues working with cancer

There are so many unknowns after a cancer diagnosis — whether or not you receive support at work shouldn’t be one of them

April 17, 2025

Chet Kitchen had no idea how his battle with cancer would affect his work. Our colleague of 25 years and director of global regulatory policy wasn’t used to missing big meetings and presentations for hospital visits and oncology appointments.

“It’s a constant balance between trying to focus on work and trying to focus on your health,” said Kitchen. “That’s where having a good company to support you and colleagues who appreciate you and look out for you can make the difference.”

Kitchen is a head and neck cancer survivor. After following his doctor’s treatment plan for stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil, he was told there was no evidence of disease. But a year later, the cancer returned, and he was put on a new treatment plan.

Head and neck cancer can begin in or around the throat, voice box, sinuses, mouth and salivary glands. More than 90% of head and neck cases are squamous cell carcinoma, which is cancer that starts in the cells that line the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck. Symptoms may include a lump in the neck or sore in the mouth or throat that does not heal or may be painful, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty swallowing, and a change or hoarseness in the voice.

Impact of cancer on careers

“One of the most important things a company can do to support a colleague living with cancer is to listen and understand their needs,” Kitchen said.

“To have the opportunity to take time off was so important,” he said. “My company gave me the flexibility to take care of my emotional needs by allowing me to focus on my health when I needed to, but also to focus on work when I didn’t want to think about cancer.”

Ongoing employment and return to work may help promote a sense of normalcy and control for cancer patients.

“Being diagnosed with cancer may hurt your career or make it more challenging,” Kitchen said.

“But working for our company really invigorated me. I can really appreciate the work that we do and how it impacts patients.”

— Chet Kitchen

Why we support the Working with Cancer pledge

At Merck, we’re dedicated to supporting people living and working with cancer around the world. We’re proud to be an accredited CEO Cancer Gold Standard employer and a founding member of the Working with Cancer pledge to help provide a more open, supportive and recovery-forward culture at work for cancer patients like Kitchen.

Today, Kitchen’s cancer is in remission, but that doesn’t mean his patient journey is over.

“Even though you’re not physically battling cancer, it never really leaves you because it’s always somewhere in your mind,” he said. “But one of the things that’s really helped me emotionally through my survivorship is sharing my story.”

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Health awareness

Understanding melanoma: The signs and risk factors

Learn more about how to monitor your skin for melanoma and ways to help prevent it

March 26, 2025

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer. Characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells, melanoma accounted for approximately 1.7% of new cancer cases worldwide in 2022.

Exposure to ultraviolent (UV) radiation, either from the sun or other sources such as tanning beds and sunlamps, is a major risk factor for skin cancers, including melanoma. While melanoma can occur anywhere on the skin, including areas without sun exposure, it’s more likely to start in certain locations, like the face and neck, legs (most common in women), and chest and back (most common in men).

Illustration of a man and woman and the most common locations of melanoma

The risk of melanoma generally increases with age and incidence is greater among older populations. However, even among patients younger than 30 years, melanoma is one of the most common cancers, especially in young women.

Worldwide, the melanoma diagnosis rate has risen over the past two decades

331,000+

Estimated number of new melanoma cases worldwide in 2022

Signs of cancerous moles

A new spot on the skin or a spot that is changing in size, shape or color, or one that looks different, is an important warning sign of melanoma and should be checked by a doctor. The ABCDE rule can be used as a guide to help identify the warning signs of melanoma:

A is for Asymmetry

One half of a mole or spot does not match the other.

B is for Border

The edges of the spot are irregular, scalloped or poorly defined.

C is for Color

The color of the spot is not the same all over and may include different shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white or blue.

D is for Diameter

The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across. Melanoma is usually larger than 6 millimeters in size (about 1/4-inch or the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed. However, it can sometimes be smaller.

E is for Evolving

The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

Any of these warning signs should be discussed with a doctor, especially if you feel you are at risk for melanoma.

Causes of melanoma

There are many risk factors and causes of melanoma, including:

UV light on your skin, such as from the sun or a tanning bed (the most common risk factor for most cases of melanoma)
Age — melanoma is more common in older people, but younger people are also at risk. Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in people younger than 30 years (especially among women)
Moles — having many moles, irregular or large moles, or atypical moles
Personal or family history – Melanoma can be genetic and having a relative with melanoma can increase your risk
Fair skin or a fair complexion, a lot of freckles and/or light-colored hair and eyes

Ways to lower your risk of melanoma

Melanoma can’t be entirely prevented, but there are ways to lower your risk. The number one way to lower risk is to protect against UV rays, which damage the DNA of skin cells and impact the genes that control skin cell growth. That’s why it’s important to avoid tanning beds, booths, sunlamps and other artificial sources of UV radiation. However, the top source of UV rays is the sun. That’s why it’s important to practice sun safety every time you go outside, even on cloudy days when UV rays can still shine through. Here are a few ways to protect yourself:

illustration of beach chair and umbrella on sand

Seek shade

UV exposure is greatest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you need to be outside during these hours, seek shade – under a tree, an umbrella or an awning.

illustration of person wearing big beach hat

Wear a hat

Try to find a hat with a wide brim – at least 2 or 3 inches wide – to protect your face, top of the head, ears and neck.

illustration of person holding long sleeve shirt

Cover up

Choose clothing with a tight knit or weave, and avoid shirts that you can see through. Remember, if light is getting through, then UV rays are too.

illustration of adult applying sunscreen to a child

Use sunscreen

For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Wear sunglasses

Protect your eyes and the sensitive skin around them. Pick a pair of sunglasses that will block as close to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.

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