Debunking 6 common myths about pneumonia in adults
Don't underestimate the severity of this infection of the lungs
October 7, 2025
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What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs that can make it difficult to breathe and limit your ability to get enough oxygen.
Some common myths about pneumonia in adults, explained:
01.
Myth: Pneumonia is only viral.
Fact: Viral and bacterial pneumonia are the most common types of pneumonia.
Viral pneumonia is typically caused by respiratory viruses like the flu, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or human metapneumovirus (HMPV). If you have viral pneumonia, you’re also at risk for developing bacterial pneumonia as a complication.
The most common type of bacterial pneumonia is called pneumococcal pneumonia, which occurs when the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae causes a lung infection. Pneumococcal pneumonia can be a serious illness.
02.
Myth: Cold weather causes pneumonia.
Fact: Cold weather doesn’t cause pneumonia — viruses and bacteria do. Pneumonia can be a concern year round, especially for those at increased risk.
03.
Myth: Only elderly people get pneumonia.
Fact: People of all ages can get pneumonia.
Pneumonia risk factors for people of all ages include medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease and HIV.
04.
Myth: Pneumonia isn’t contagious.
Fact: The viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia are contagious. People who are infected can spread the virus or bacteria through the air when they cough, sneeze or talk. People who have the virus or the bacteria in their respiratory tract, but have no symptoms, can pass it on to others.
People can occasionally catch pneumonia by touching something that has the virus or bacteria on it and then touching their noses or mouths.
05.
Myth: Pneumonia’s only symptom is a cough.
Fact: Cough is a common symptom, but pneumonia can present differently in people based on a variety of factors. Other symptoms include:
Fever
Difficulty breathing
Shortness of breath
Chills
Rapid breathing
Chest pains
Confusion
Loss of appetite
Older adults with pneumonia may even have a lower-than-normal temperature and, at times, sudden changes in mental awareness. For those with chronic lung conditions, pneumonia may exacerbate existing symptoms. Sometimes, pneumonia symptoms can be mild, making it more difficult to diagnose.
06.
Myth: Pneumonia isn’t serious.
Fact: Pneumonia can cause serious illness, such as respiratory failure, fluid or pus in or around the lungs and sepsis. These complications can be life-threatening.
As you grow older, your risk for pneumonia increases. Speak with your health care provider to learn more about the disease and the actions you can take to help reduce your risk.
HIV community advocates spark a global conversation
Meet three HIV advocates who are using their stories to uplift, spark change, and create spaces of healing and hope across continents
October 7, 2025
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Around the world, HIV advocates are working tirelessly to confront stigma, alleviate loneliness and empower people living with HIV through education, community building and storytelling.
Isaac Ogunkola, Erika Castellanos and Nesrine Rizk exemplify how compassionate advocacy can transform lives. Their work reminds us that even the smallest action — whether it’s sharing a story, offering support or educating just one person — can spark meaningful change.
Above, watch them reflect on their work and read on to learn more about each advocate.
Isaac Ogunkola: Empowering the next generation of HIV advocates
Isaac Ogunkola didn’t set out to be a voice for the HIV community. When he began working with young refugees and local children in Nigeria, the goal was to teach reading and writing. After learning some of them were living with HIV, he reflected on the experience of watching family members die from preventable diseases and decided he would pursue public health.
Ogunkola’s organization connects youth to clinics for testing and treatment of HIV, preventive education and harm reduction services. “People living with HIV face many challenges, and my work is about connecting them to medical services and fostering environments where they can live safely and with dignity,” Ogunkola said.
His biggest impact has been through the development of a peer education program for refugee settlements in West Africa. By training 35 young refugees as educators and advocates, they’ve been able to reach 2,000 other refugees with testing and prevention services. These peer advocates help combat stigma by creating a safe space to discuss topics related to HIV transmission, like sex and drug use, that are often stigmatized.
“The peer educators can continue the training while I’m no longer in the settlements. Seeing that the project is self-sustaining, that is success for me.”
Isaac Ogunkola
Although Ogunkola’s advocacy journey has expanded beyond the grassroots level to working with governments and policymakers, he’s still passionate about the power of individuals to make a difference, especially young people.
“We can tap into the strength of young people,” he said. “We can push young people to be stakeholders in the implementation of these projects right from the beginning and throughout the life of the projects.”
Erika Castellanos: The joyful warrior
Erika Castellanos first encountered the devastation of the HIV epidemic while volunteering at a hospice in Mexico in the early 1990s. As a transgender woman from a small town in Belize, Castellanos understood what it felt like to be stigmatized by her community. So, when she noticed hospice patients with HIV who had been abandoned by their relatives, she stepped in to hold their hands and read them books, making sure they knew they weren’t alone.
In 1995, Castellanos contracted HIV and was told she’d have just six months to live. She’s grateful to have survived that moment, and it was an unexpected encounter with another woman living with HIV at that time that inspired Castellanos to become an advocate herself. This other woman was always cheerful and good-humored about her condition despite her difficult prognosis, which puzzled Castellanos — until she decided to try and do the same. She realized that by embracing her own diagnosis and speaking openly about living with HIV, she could empower others.
“It felt good to be able to laugh again, even about the things we were struggling with. If I want to do anything in life, I want to make someone else smile.”
Erika Castellanos
Over the past three decades, Castellanos has advocated for a better quality of life for people living with HIV and the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. She now lives in the Netherlands with her husband and two children, where she runs an organization that advances equality for the transgender and gender diverse communities.
Even as the challenges facing these communities have changed, the most important part of her advocacy work has always been sharing positivity with others.
“Living with HIV is not just about managing the virus, but also about managing the judgment and prejudice that comes with it,” she said.
Castellanos emphasizes the importance of sharing stories to combat loneliness and stigma. “Don’t be shy,” she urges. “Speak out. Share your stories. Someone else will hear your message and no longer feel alone.”
Nesrine Rizk: Bridging medicine and social science in HIV care
Dr. Nesrine Rizk believes medicine is not just a science, but also a social discipline, especially when treating people with infectious diseases like HIV.
“Because of its history and transmission route, HIV is deeply intertwined with cultural norms, stigma and how people live and interact,” said Rizk, who practices in Lebanon.
Rizk advocates for comprehensive education of health care providers and the public, policy reform and community engagement to dismantle stigma.
“Stigma will impact the ability of a person to access prevention methods, stigma will impact an individual’s access to HIV health care, and stigma will affect treatment and adherence to therapy,” she said. “Stigma creates barriers to accessing prevention, care and treatment, and can lead to late diagnosis and increased mortality. It impacts their quality of life profoundly.”
In Rizk’s region, access to condoms can be limited, at-home testing is often unavailable and patients sometimes feel compelled to hide their medication from loved ones. These additional barriers to care have, in part, contributed to the region’s steep rise in new infections.
Rizk believes physicians should normalize discussions about sexual health and HIV in primary care settings, just as providers would address cholesterol or blood pressure.
“The bond between providers and people living with HIV is unique,” she said. “Being present to support patients throughout their life journey is essential.”
Nesrine Rizk
These stories are a powerful reminder that HIV advocacy is not just about HIV — it’s about humanity. Through empathy, courage and connection, individuals like Ogunkola, Castellanos and Rizk show us that change often begins with one person making the effort to care. Whether by listening, sharing or simply standing beside someone on their journey, we all have the power to make a difference.
How one woman embraced life, marriage and motherhood despite her cervical cancer diagnosis
September 29, 2025
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Several years ago, Christine Granado was living happily in New Jersey with her fiancé and then-9-year-old son, but she felt something wasn’t right.
In the span of a year, she lost three pregnancies. The first miscarriage came as a total shock. With the second, she felt confused. After the third, she was afraid something was terribly wrong. She decided to go for a routine checkup. While undergoing a series of tests ordered by her OB-GYN, she got surprising news: she was diagnosed with stage IIB squamous cell cervical cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes. At just 28, Christine said she felt disbelief.
“How can I have cancer at this age?” she asked herself. “I remember peeking through my bangs, feeling like I was trying to hide behind them.”
Young women are at risk for cervical cancer, too
Granado wasn’t alone in asking herself that question. Cervical cancer is most often diagnosed between the ages of 35 and 44. In 2022, over 660,000 people around the world were diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Regular screenings can catch early changes in the cervix before they turn into cancer, but not everyone has the same access or risk factors for cervical cancer. That’s why it’s so important to make sure everyone gets the care they need.
Beginning her cancer treatment journey
Granado started treatment as soon as possible. She was prepared for physical side effects but was overwhelmed by the other changes that soon followed, including how she felt about losing her fertility. She and her partner discussed preserving her eggs but decided against it as doing so would have delayed her treatment.
Granado’s cancer went into remission for three years, and she found joy again: She and her fiancé got married and decided to have a baby via surrogate.
The shock of a recurring cancer diagnosis
Then, soon before her son was born, Granado started having unexplained chest pains. A CT scan found enlarged lymph nodes. She was diagnosed with metastatic cancer.
“When I got the recurrence diagnosis, I was devastated. It was hard to hear, but it motivated me to finish things, to contact a lawyer and get things in my kids’ names — to think about life after me,” she said.
It also motivated her to continue with more treatments. During her second round of treatment, Granado was able to welcome her new son. When she saw him, she took him in her arms: “I bawled my eyes out.”
A focus on mental health
In addition to her son’s arrival, Granado said a focus on herself has sharpened her resolve to live her best life. When the cancer came back, she grieved for her life. She would cry and sleep all day. Her depression stopped her from enjoying precious time with her family.
“The most disabling thing I dealt with was the depression,” she said. “There were days when I would feel physically OK, but I’d still stay in bed all day.” Thankfully, Granado had the support of a psychologist and a psychiatrist who helped her feel well again.
Cervical cancer won’t stop her from living her best life
Granado has been able to complete a master’s degree in health leadership, and her family has a new border collie named Harry. Even everyday activities like going to the hardware store and winding down with a book mean so much more now. She appreciates the small details, like watching TV with her son on the couch.
“Life has been amazingly boring,” she says. “In a good way.”
Granado said she hopes her story will inspire others and give them hope in the face of a cancer diagnosis.
As a leading cause of hospitalization for infants globally, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can progress to severe illness for some babies
September 23, 2025
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Caring for a child with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can be challenging. New parents Amanda and Jeremy thought they were as prepared as possible for any illness for their daughter Charlotte.
Charlotte’s first night in the pediatric ICU.
They had an established pediatrician, supportive family and friends and a variety of resources and supplies on hand to help manage symptoms. But they weren’t prepared for Charlotte to progress from having what they initially thought was a cold, with a cough and runny nose, to being admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit for RSV at only 7 months old.
RSV is a contagious, widespread seasonal infection and a leading cause of hospitalization for infants globally. Infants are among the populations most at risk of contracting the severe virus during their first RSV season.
Charlotte’s experience with RSV
“Charlotte was a happy, chill baby. When she wasn’t happy, it was usually a sign that she was about to get sick,” said Amanda, who as a first-time parent hadn’t thought much about RSV up until that point.
On the day Charlotte was cleared to go home.
As Charlotte’s symptoms worsened, their doctor told Amanda and Jeremy what to look out for, mainly retracting or pulling in between and under the ribs, which was a sign of her struggling to breathe.
Amanda and Jeremy were surprised when Charlotte was admitted for difficulty breathing due to RSV and stayed in the pediatric ICU for a week.
Fortunately, she recovered and Amanda and Jeremy were so appreciative of her medical care. Today, Charlotte is a healthy and happy 3-year-old who loves spending time with her parents and younger brother.
Amanda understands that her family’s experience is unfortunately not unique.
"I urge all parents to understand the signs and symptoms of RSV so you can be prepared."
— Amanda
The impact of RSV on infants
RSV is a common seasonal respiratory infection that can be spread through virus droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through direct contact with the virus, like kissing the face of a child with RSV.
Common symptoms include a runny nose, fever, coughing and wheezing. While RSV doesn’t usually cause severe illness, healthy and at-risk infants can develop more severe cases that may lead to illnesses such as bronchiolitis (inflammation in the small airways of the lungs) or pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and may require hospitalization.
It’s important for caregivers to speak with a health care provider to learn more about RSV and its symptoms.
Learn more about how to detect and help prevent many infectious diseases
June 6, 2025
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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. However, in recent years, vaccination rates have been declining, which has contributed to outbreaks of some infectious diseases.
Outbreaks like these are a worrying sign of a heightened risk for the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus, which 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 is a disease of the liver that’s transmitted when blood, semen or another body fluid from a person infected with hepatitis B virus enters the body of someone who in 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
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 leading to hospitalization or, on rare occasions, even death.
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.
Endometrial cancer: Understanding the signs and symptoms
Learn more about how you can detect endometrial cancer
May 16, 2025
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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.
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) 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.
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
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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, MSD’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. MarjorieGreen
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.
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
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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 MSD, 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.”
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
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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).
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’re 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/or 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:
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.
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.
Cover up
Choose clothing with a tight knit or weave and avoid shirts that you can see through. Remember, if light is getting through, UV rays are too.
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% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
Find out why it's important to follow cancer screening recommendations
January 15, 2025
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We’ve all had the feeling that there aren’t enough hours in the day. In between everything else on the to-do list, it can feel hard to make your health and annual appointments a priority. However, it’s important to take control of your health and talk to your doctor about what cancer screenings might be recommended for you.
Why timing matters in cancer screening
Time is important with a cancer diagnosis so that treatment can be started early, before cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Cancer screenings can increase the chance of finding disease before a person has symptoms or when cancer is still in earlier stages.
There are screening guidelines for many types of cancer, such as breast, colorectal and lung cancer, as well as melanoma. Screening recommendations often take into consideration a few factors, such as age, family history and lifestyle. Your doctor can help you identify which screenings might be right for you.
As a leader in oncology, we’re committed to addressing the global impact of cancer.
“Through our work to increase access to screening and our other initiatives and programs, we appreciate the importance of finding disease early, before it has spread to help enable early treatment, because we believe people with cancer deserve more,” said Linda Kollmar, associate vice president, medical affairs, value and implementation.
So, make time now to talk to your doctor and to find out if you’re eligible for cancer screening.
We’re working to help address other barriers to cancer screening
Raising awareness about cancer screening is just one way our company works to help improve lives. We also strive to help address barriers to screening and treatment, which is why we work with partners around the globe to support public health initiatives that support recommended screening and create access to high quality cancer care for all patients.
Our support of the American Cancer Society’s Get Screened initiative makes it possible for community members to be screened for breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancer who might not have access otherwise. And working with City Cancer Challenge, we support the Patient Navigation Program in Kigali, Rwanda to train nurses as patient navigators who can help people understand health information more easily and gain access to health care options more quickly.
Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA
This website of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline candidates that the candidates will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.
The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).
No Duty to Update
The information contained in this website was current as of the date presented. The company assumes no duty to update the information to reflect subsequent developments. Consequently, the company will not update the information contained in the website and investors should not rely upon the information as current or accurate after the presentation date.
