Melanoma: Skin Cancer

Melanoma is much less common but a more dangerous cancer. A melanoma can start in a
mole or simply grow in normal skin. It is extremely rare in children, and is directly
related to sun exposure and genetic inheritance. Moles can appear on any person, any part
of the body, at any time. But if your mole changes shape, color or appearance, there is no
time to waste, according to the physicians at National Cancer Institute(2002). Malignant
melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is the most rapidly increasing form of
cancer in the United States. Over 54,200 cases will be diagnosed this year (American
Cancer Society, 2003). Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays appears to be the most
important preventable factor in the development of skin cancer. Skin cancer is largely
preventable when sun protection measures against UV rays are used consistently.
However, approximately 50% of adults in the United States do not regularly practice such
measures. Young people have mod...