Lifestyle Medicine Strategies for Reducing Risk of Melanoma: Modifiable Factors and Clinical Implications

Melanoma incidence continues to rise globally generating increasing urgency for effective and ethically grounded prevention strategies. While genetic predisposition contributes to individual susceptibility, a substantial proportion of melanoma cases arise from modifiable behaviors, especially ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Lifestyle medicine (LM) is an evidence-based discipline focusing on sustainable behavioral change across core lifestyle domains that offers a structured framework for addressing these risks. Although LM is traditionally associated with metabolic and cardiovascular conditions, its principles are highly relevant to melanoma prevention through counseling on sun protection, avoidance of carcinogenic substances, moderation of alcohol intake, sleep optimization, dietary improvement, healthy weight management, and physical activity patterns that minimize UV burden. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from the past decade and provides clinicians with a practical, patient-centered model for translating lifestyle insights into clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on the integration of behavior-change strategies, the assessment of social and occupational determinants of risk, and equitable approaches to melanoma prevention. A lifestyle-oriented framework not only reinforces established prevention strategies but broadens clinical engagement with patients, offering a multidimensional method for reducing melanoma incidence and supporting population health.