The number of cases of melanoma doubled between 1982 and 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed in a report yesterday. In 1982, roughly 11 people in 100,000 reported a melanoma versus almost 23 per 100,000 people (more than 65,000 cases) in 2011. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, resulting in more than 9,000 deaths annually.
The CDC attributed 90 percent of cases to UV exposure and implored people to take action to prevent an additional increase in the coming decades. Without new interventions, such as providing more shade in parks and limiting minors’ use of tanning beds, the CDC estimated there will be 112,000 new melanoma cases in 2030. Melanoma is the only type of cancer whose rates are increasing, said Lisa Richardson, MD, director of the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control in a statement.
Non-Hispanic whites have the greatest risk for developing melanoma with 24.6 cases in every 100,000 people, the L.A. Times reported, followed by Latinos (4.1 cases), Asian and Pacific Islanders (1.3 cases), and African Americans (one case). Women under 49 are more likely to develop a melanoma than men of the same age, but the risk factor switches once patients turn 50.
What does this mean for you? Take steps to lower your risk, such as avoiding the tanning bed, reapplying sunblock regularly, and monitoring your sun exposure. Be sure to know the signs of skin cancer, as well, because melanoma easier to treat the earlier you find it.
Fuente: www.everydayhealth.com
