Every hour, someone in the United States loses their life to melanoma, a sobering reminder of the seriousness of this skin cancer. In 2024, it’s anticipated that over 160,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with skin cancer melanoma, which, like most skin cancers, can be highly curable when detected early. This includes residents of Frisco, Texas, and neighboring cities such as Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, and Little Elm.
Texas is notably one of the top four states with the highest number of melanoma cases, alongside California, Florida, and New York. Despite its prevalence, the good news is that melanoma is often highly curable when detected early. With proper screening, you can take proactive steps to protect your health.
Prevalence of Melanoma Skin Cancer
Skin cancer melanoma is one of the most common cancers, and its incidence has been steadily rising over the past few decades. There are various types of skin cancer, with melanoma being one of the most dangerous due to its potential to spread rapidly. In 2024, one out of every 54 Americans is expected to develop this potentially deadly disease—a significant increase from the one in 58 rates reported just a few years ago.
According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma accounts for a small percentage of skin cancer cases but is responsible for a majority of skin cancer-related deaths. It is up to 20 times more common in white individuals than in African Americans, reflecting the need for heightened awareness among those at higher risk.
Melanoma in Younger Populations
Skin cancer melanoma isn’t just a concern for older adults; it’s also among the most common cancers diagnosed in people between the ages of 15 and 29. One common type of melanoma that affects younger individuals is superficial spreading melanoma, which can develop from existing moles or appear as new lesions. This alarming trend emphasizes the importance of early education and preventive measures, particularly for younger individuals who may not consider themselves at risk.
Almost one million Americans are currently living with melanoma, underscoring the widespread nature of this disease.
The Serious Risks of Skin Cancer Melanoma
One of the most dangerous aspects of melanoma is its potential to spread rapidly to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, lymphatic system, and internal organs, due to the aggressive nature of cancer cells. Once melanoma metastasizes, it becomes much more challenging to treat and can quickly become life-threatening.
In 2024, it is estimated that over 9,700 Americans will die from melanoma, with men being at a higher risk of death than women. Each year, nearly 10,000 individuals in the U.S. lose their lives to this aggressive form of skin cancer. These numbers translate to one death every hour—a stark reminder of the critical importance of early detection and treatment.
Factors That Increase Your Risk of Melanoma Skin Cancers, Including Existing Moles
Several factors can significantly increase your risk of developing skin cancer melanoma, including:
- Age: The average age of diagnosis for melanoma is 63, with the risk increasing as you age. After 50, men are more likely than women to develop melanoma, though under the age of 50, women are at higher risk. Adolescents and young adults are also at risk, particularly young women, making melanoma the most common cancer in individuals under 30.
- Sun Exposure and Tanning Beds: UV radiation is a significant risk factor, whether from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Using tanning beds before age 35 increases your risk of developing melanoma by 59%, and suffering from five or more blistering sunburns between the ages of 15 and 20 raises your risk by 80%. Younger individuals who frequently use tanning beds are eight times more likely to develop melanoma than those who don’t.
- Geographic Location: Living near the equator or in sunny climates like Texas further increases your risk due to higher UV exposure. Acral lentiginous melanoma is the most common type of melanoma found in people of color, particularly those of African ancestry. It often appears on hard-to-spot areas like the soles of feet and under nails.
- Organ Transplant: If you’ve had an organ transplant, your risk of developing melanoma increases two to five times, likely due to the immunosuppressive medications used to prevent organ rejection.
- Family History: Approximately 8% of newly diagnosed melanoma patients have a first-degree relative who has had the disease, indicating a genetic predisposition.
Other factors, such as having many moles, a weakened immune system, or being light-haired and fair-skinned, can also elevate your risk. Discussing your risk factors with a healthcare provider to understand your specific risks is essential.
The Importance of Early Detection and Screening for Skin Cancer Melanoma
The statistics and facts surrounding skin cancer melanoma highlight not only the risks associated with this disease but also the critical importance of early detection. When caught early, melanoma is highly treatable, often with minimal intervention.
At Rodgers Dermatology, we emphasize the importance of regular skin cancer screenings. Our dermatologist, Dr. Timothy Rodgers, MD, FAAD, is dedicated to providing thorough skin examinations, which may include physical exams, biopsies, and dermatoscopy to detect any early signs of melanoma.
When Should You Get Screened for Melanoma?
We recommend that individuals over 40 have an annual skin cancer screening. Those with risk factors—such as a history of sunburns, use of tanning beds, or a family history of melanoma—should consider more frequent screenings. Additionally, it’s important to perform monthly self-examinations and to be vigilant about any changes in an existing mole or the appearance of new ones.
Take Action Against Skin Cancer Melanoma Today
Skin cancer melanoma is a serious and potentially deadly disease, but with the proper knowledge and proactive measures, it can be effectively managed and treated. While melanoma is a serious and potentially fatal disease, it is essential also to be aware of nonmelanoma skin cancer, which includes less common types that require different treatment approaches. Please don’t wait until it’s too late. Call 972-704-2400 to schedule your melanoma screening at Rodgers Dermatology today. Early detection is critical to preventing the devastating effects of skin cancer melanoma, so take the first step towards protecting your health today.