One person dies every hour from melanoma.
Yet, this aggressive form of skin cancer is also one of the most preventable and treatable—if caught early.
As we step into May, Melanoma Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder to protect our skin, stay informed, and seek expert care when needed. At Upkar Cancer Hospital, Varanasi, led by renowned surgical oncologist Dr. Swapnil Patel, we’re dedicated to providing advanced, compassionate cancer care and empowering patients through awareness and education.
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that originates in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin. While it accounts for only about 1% of skin cancer cases, it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths due to its high potential to spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma doesn’t discriminate—it can occur in anyone, regardless of age or skin tone. However, early detection is the key. When diagnosed in its initial stages, melanoma is highly curable, often with minor surgery.
Know the Signs: The ABCDE Rule of Melanoma
A simple way to remember the warning signs of melanoma is the ABCDE rule:
- A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
- B – Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges.
- C – Color: Uneven shades of black, brown, tan, red, or white.
- D – Diameter: Larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or elevation.
If you notice any suspicious changes in your skin, do not wait. Timely evaluation by a cancer specialist could make all the difference.
Dr. Swapnil Patel: A Trusted Name in Cancer Surgery
With a rich background from Tata Memorial Cancer Institute, Mumbai—India’s most prestigious cancer center—Dr. Swapnil Patel brings deep expertise and a patient-centric approach to cancer care. He has also served as Associate Professor at Mahamana (Tata) Cancer Hospital, Varanasi, where he trained budding oncologists and led surgical treatments for complex cancer cases.
Today, as the Lead Cancer Surgeon at Upkar Cancer Hospital, Dr. Patel is transforming cancer care in Purvanchal with:
- Expertise in complex oncological surgeries
- Evidence-based, multidisciplinary treatment planning
- A compassionate approach that treats the person, not just the disease
- Cutting-edge facilities at Upkar Cancer Hospital, designed for holistic cancer care
“Our mission is to ensure that no cancer patient in Varanasi or nearby regions has to travel far for quality treatment. Hope and healing begin here, at Upkar.” – – Dr. Swapnil Patel
Melanoma Prevention: It Starts with You
Though melanoma can be aggressive, it is often preventable with some simple lifestyle practices:
✅ Apply sunscreen daily (SPF 30+), even on cloudy days
✅ Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors or after swimming
✅ Wear protective clothing—wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses
✅ Avoid peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM)
✅ Say no to tanning beds—artificial UV radiation significantly increases melanoma risk
✅ Do a monthly skin self-exam and get an annual check-up with a specialist
Melanoma Treatment at Upkar Cancer Hospital, Varanasi
If diagnosed with melanoma, you need a care team with experience, precision, and a human touch. At Upkar Cancer Hospital, we offer:
- Wide Local Excision (WLE) to remove cancer with clear margins
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) for accurate staging in early-stage melanoma
- Reconstructive surgery, if needed, for better cosmetic and functional outcomes
- Access to multimodal therapies including immunotherapy and targeted treatment options
Our team works closely with radiologists, medical oncologists, and dermatologists to create a personalized care plan for every patient.
Why Melanoma Awareness Matters in India
In India, melanoma is still underreported and often diagnosed late, especially in rural areas. Lack of awareness about the risks of sun exposure and early symptoms contributes to poorer outcomes. That’s why campaigns like Melanoma Awareness Month are essential—not just globally, but right here in Varanasi and Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh.
Upkar Cancer Hospital is committed to bridging the gap between awareness and action—with patient education, early screening, and timely treatment.
📞 Take Action This May
Melanoma doesn’t wait, and neither should you.
✔ Do your skin check.
✔ Book a consultation.
✔ Share this message and help someone else take a life-saving step.Visit Dr. Swapnil Patel at Upkar Cancer Hospital, Varanasi—your trusted partner in cancer care. Let’s make May not just a month of awareness, but a month of action, prevention, and healing.
