Melanoma Screening Saves Lives
Posted in Dermatology on January 8, 2010
Melanoma is by far the deadliest from of skin cancer, it causes more than 75% of all skin cancer deaths. The disease is currently the sixth most common cancer in the US and the number one cancer in young adults aged 25-29.
Early detection of melanoma can significantly reduce both the morbidity (problems associated with the disease) and the mortality (death from the disease). The risk of dying form the disease, is in fact, directly related to the depth of the cancer, which is directly related to the amount of time it has been growing unnoticed. Hence, earlier detection leads to thinner cancers and saves lives.
Monitor your skin for changing or odd moles and come in for a dermatology screening if you have a history of odd moles or melanoma in yourself or close family member, have a mole that you are concerned about, have ever used tanning beds or have skin that burns easily in the sun.
Wishing you a wonderful and safe year!
Julie E. Voss, M.D.