Melanoma Facts

• There will be more than 1 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed in the US in 2006 (basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma combined)
• Approximately 111,900 case of melanoma will be diagnosed in the US this year (3.4% of all cancer diagnoses)
  • 49,710 in situ (non-invasive melanoma)
  • 62,190 invasive
• About 7910 people will die of melanoma this year (one every hour) – 1.2% of all cancer deaths
• Incidence of melanoma has increased 690% from 1950-2001
• The mortality rated has increased 165%

Other melanoma facts & information:

• The American Academy of Dermatology Melanoma Fact Sheet

ABCDs of Melanoma Detection

• A = Asymmetry
• B = Border Irregularity
• C = Color Variation
• D = Diameter

Look for Danger Signs in Pigmented Lesions of the Skin

Consult your dermatologist immediately if any of your moles or pigmented spots exhibit:

A
Asymmetry - one half unlike the other half

B
Border - irregular, scalloped or poorly circumscribed border

C
Color - varied from one area to another; shades of tan and brown, black; sometimes white, red or blue border

D
Diameter - while melanomas are usually greater than 6mm in diameter (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller; if you notice a mole different from others, or which changes, itches, or bleeds (even if it is small) you should see a dermatologist

Reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Dermatology. All rights reserved.

MIND THESE ABCDs
They may be signs of malignant melanoma

Locate a Skin Cancer Screening Facility Near You

Please go to the American Academy of Dermatology for more information on the ABCD's of melanoma