The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is increasing at an alarming rate. Risk factors that may contribute to the increase include ultraviolet (UV) radiation, lack of skin pigmentation, and genetic, hormonal, and immunologic factors. Although the exact nature of the relationship between melanoma and UV radiation is unclear, evidence suggests a correlation between sun exposure and CMM incidence. Caucasians with fair skin who sunburn and freckle easily and individuals with numerous nevi or moles and/or atypical nevi or moles are also at increased risk of CMM. Melanoma almost always is curable by surgery if it is detected early. Nursing can make a major contribution to reducing the morbidity and mortality of CMM both through educating the public in prevention and early detection measures and by screening individuals for suspicious lesions.