Facts About Skin Cancer-Melanoma Most Dangerous

Facts About Skin Cancer-Melanoma Most Dangerous

•  1.3 million people will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year
• There are more new cases of skin cancer each year than prostrate, lung, breast, and  colon cancer combined
• The risk of developing melanoma, the most dangerous for of skin cancer more than doubled in the past decade.But melanoma is the easiest forms of cancer to prevent so earlier detection and treatment is vital
• Over 90% of all skin cancer is caused by sun exposure and unfortunately only 33% of people use a form a sun protection

Melanoma is the deadliest of all skin cancers. Even though survival rates are improving, about 1/4 of the people diagnosed will die.

Melanoma is associate with sun exposure and can develop on anyone at any time.

Skin self-exam

It’s important to check your own skin, preferably once a month. You should know the pattern of moles, blemishes, freckles, and other marks on your skin so that you’ll notice any new moles or changes in existing moles. 


Self-exam is best done in a well-lit room in front of a full-length mirror. Use a hand-held mirror to help look at areas that are hard to see, such as the backs of your thighs. Examine all areas, including your palms and soles, scalp, ears, nails, and your back (in men, about 1 of every 3 melanomas occurs on the back). Friends and family members can also help you with these exams, especially for those hard-to-see areas, such as your scalp and back.