Melanoma: A Patient’s Guide
How Common Is Melanoma?

In 1996, 38,500 estimated new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the United States and 7,800 deaths will occur from the disease. Melanoma is the eighth most common cancer in the United States. Recently, the incidence of melanoma has been increasing at an alarming rate. It is predicted that one out of every 105 Americans born in 1991 will develop malignant melanoma in his/her lifetime. In 1935, the number was only one in 1,500. In the past decade, the only cancer that increased more rapidly was lung cancer in women. Possible reasons for this increase include extended recreational exposure to the sun, thinning of the ozone layer, allowing more harmful rays to reach the earth's surface and better detection of the disease.

Fortunately, the number of deaths from melanoma is not rising rapidly, probably due to earlier detection and treatment. Since 1960, more of the melanomas diagnosed have been localized. This means they show no evidence of metastasis and have a greater potential for cure.

Who develops melanoma?

Melanoma - A Guide For Patients

Cancer Care Information