As a melanoma survivor, I know how scary the verdict can be. The best way to avoid the worst outcome is to keep an eye on any changes in moles on your body. Early detection is the best chance for survival. If you have cancer in your family, you might want to have a dermatologist look you over periodically. That's what I did. I had no idea going in that anything was wrong, and I was completely taken aback by the news that my almost invisible mole was malignant. Slather on the sun cream to avoid getting the skin burned. Keep an eye out for anything that looks strange. Neglect here can be fatal.