Facts About Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer
One person dies of melanoma every hour
In the past ten years, the number of new melanoma cases diagnosed annually grew by 53%
On average, a person’s risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than 5 sunburns
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma Explained
Melanoma is a cancer of the pigment-producing cells of the skin called "melanocytes." These are the cells that make dark skin dark, and allow fair skin to tan.
Melanoma is an important cancer to know about, because if it is diagnosed and removed at an early stage, the cure rate is high. However, if it is diagnosed late, spread of the disease is likely to occur.
Melanoma can appear anywhere on the skin surface.
- Melanoma can develop in a pre-existing mole, or arise on normal-appearing skin.
- It is suspected when a "mole" looks uneven in terms of its border, shape, or color.
- Diagnosis is confirmed with a simple skin biopsy, where the doctor removes some cells to test if they are cancerous
