Melanoma AwarenesS

Early Detection and Survival

When detected early, the 5-year survival rate is 94-99%
Survival rate decreases significantly when the cancer spreads to lymph nodes or other organs

Key Risk Factors

UV radiation from sun exposure and tanning beds
Blistering sunburns, especially in childhood
Fair skin, light eyes, many moles
Family history of melanoma

Knowing the Signs of Melanoma - ABCDE Rule

A - Asymmetry
B - Border irregularity
C - Color changes
D - Diameter larger than a pencil eraser
E - Evolving or changing

Melanoma by the Numbers

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the USA and Melanoma is its deadliest form
Approximately 235,000 cases of melanoma are diagnosed in the USA each year
More than 8,000 Americans will die from melanoma annually
About 1 in 40 Americans will develop melanoma during their lifetime

Melanoma Trends

Melanoma diagnoses have increased significantly over the past several decades
Despite the increased rate of diagnosis, death rates have declined over the past decade due to improved treatment options