Cutaneous melanoma continues to be a public health problem worldwide and its incidence continues to increase around the globe. The recognition of melanoma risk factors allows for the identification of a subgroup of high-risk patients that will likely benefit most from approaches aimed at minimizing exposure to ultraviolet radiation and from surveillance strategies geared towards finding melanomas while thin and easily curable. Herein, we will provide an overview of the most pertinent, novel and newly described melanoma risk factors and melanoma prognostic factors. The potential benefits of skin cancer surveillance strategies including physician-based total body skin examination, total body photography, dermoscopy and patient-based self-skin examination will be examined. In addition, management of melanoma patients, focusing on prevention and early detection strategies will be discussed.