Melanoma
Melanoma is a less common type of skin cancer that develops when melanocytes (cells that give the skin a tan or brown color), grow uncontrollably. It is a skin cancer that can be dangerous if it’s not found and treated early, since it can spread to other parts of the body. There were 331,722 new melanoma diagnoses worldwide in 2022.1 It’s estimated that 104,960 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed in 2025.2
A few risk factors for melanoma include3
- Age: Risk increases as people get older; however, melanoma is one of the most common cancers in people <30.
- Personal or Family History: Your risk of melanoma increases if you or a first degree relative was diagnosed with melanoma and/or you have a personal history of basal or squamous cell skin cancer.
- Moles: If you have atypical moles or many moles, you are more likely to develop melanoma.
- Light Skin, Hair, and Eyes: If you have lighter skin, skin that freckles or burns easily, red or blond hair, and/or blue or green eyes, you have a higher risk.
- Ultraviolet (UV) Light Exposure: UV rays are a major risk factor, and sources of UV rays include the sun (main source), tanning beds, and sun lamps.
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