Welcome to your monthly dose of health and wellness information. Each month, we'll dive into practical tips, evidence-based advice and the latest developments in different fields of medicine.

Mass General Brigham physicians have had the privilege of caring for thousands of Bermudian patients in Boston over the years, spanning a wide variety of conditions and complexities.

With Bermuda's sunny climate and beautiful outdoors, skin cancer prevention is a particularly important health consideration. This month, Elizabeth Buchbinder, a melanoma specialist at Mass General Brigham, explains what people should know about it, how treatment has evolved and why outcomes continue to improve.

What is melanoma and what does it mean for most people?

Melanoma is a cancer of a skin cell called the melanocyte. It generally arises on the skin and is usually darker than the surrounding skin because of the pigment in these cells. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer because it can spread to other areas of the body.

What are the biggest improvements we have seen in melanoma treatment over the past decade?

Melanoma treatment has changed drastically over the last two decades with the advent of immunotherapy and novel targeted therapies based upon genetic changes within melanoma. Surgery also remains an important part of treatment, especially for a melanoma that is caught early. There have been studies showing that less surgery can be done for some patients, particularly by avoiding complete lymph node dissections when possible.

Are AI and digital tools being used for skin checks?

AI and digital tools are starting to be used for skin checks — but please note that they have yet to improve upon having a real dermatologist evaluate a concerning spot on the skin.

Are there any promising developments in research that could change melanoma care in the next few years?

Cellular therapy, which involves using modified immune cells to treat cancer, has been approved for melanoma. There are also promising new cellular therapies in clinical trials that could improve melanoma patient survival in years to come. Additionally, preliminary data on cancer vaccines for earlier-stage melanoma are encouraging and researchers hope these treatments may continue to show benefit and be approved within the next few years.

• If you would like to request an appointment or learn more about care at Mass General Brigham, contact our international patient services team at patientcare@mgb.org or visit MassGeneralBrigham.org/Bermuda. If part of your care planning includes insurance, we recommend speaking with your insurance company before requesting an appointment.