The Facts
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. In 2010 in the United States, it is estimated that approximately 68,100 people will be diagnosed with melanoma, and that 8,700 people will die of the disease.
It's important to know that melanoma only has its most serious consequences if it goes undiagnosed. It's fairly easy to recognize and is highly treatable if caught early.
Some risk factors for developing melanoma include:
- excessive exposure to the sun and ultraviolet (UV) radiation
- history of blistering burns (especially during childhood)
- presence of atypical moles
- having a large number of moles (i.e., more than 50 moles)
- light skin complexion (often blond or red hair and green, blue, or gray eyes)
- skin that tends to freckle or burn easily rather than tan
- personal or family history of skin cancer
- people with a weakened immune system
- taking medications that increase the skin's sensitivity to UV light