54 is too young. Prayers for the family.
I too have a family member that has had 3 boughts with Melanoma who had to have a 1/4 inch deep growth removed from their back while in their 50’s. They carry a large scar from that particular removal. Thank God it has been caught in time, each time, before having the opportunity to spread. VERY frightening. They go in every 3 months for a full exam by the dermatologist.
They grew up going to the beach every weekend and tanned into their forties.
Needless to say, because of the genetics in our family, my ‘sunning’ days were over long ago. A little sun every week now, a good sun hat and Vitamin D supplements to make up for any shortage. I pray I’ll dodge that bullet in my future.
Our dermatologist told my husband that he used to diagnose melanoma every once in awhile. He says he now makes that diagnosis nearly every day. My husband had it 10 years ago and it was caught very early. I know exactly what to look for and just found a mole on his back that looked suspicious. The biopsy came back with abnormal cells but it was ok.
My daughter, who is in her 30’s, has 3 friends with melanoma. She goes for a checkup every six months because of her family history.