Be Safe

Chances of Men Developing Melanoma: 1 in 53

Contact: Charles Ford (804) 864-7668

Overview:
There are several types of skin cancer, such as basal cell and squamous cell cancers. Most are highly curable. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. The risk of getting melanoma and other types of skin cancer increases if you: have light skin color, or natural blonde or red hair; have a close family member who had melanoma, or you had melanoma or another type of skin cancer; have many moles or freckles, or have large or unusual type moles. If you have spent a lot of time in the sun and have a history of severe sunburns, especially early in life; sunburn easily, or use tanning booths you are at an increased risk for getting skin cancer.

What you need to know:

• Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer.
• For every 100,000 Virginians, about 14 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed each year.
• Chances of developing melanoma: Men 1 in 53, Women 1 in 78.
• Melanoma is highly treatable.
• The five-year survival rate for Virginians diagnosed in the local area when melanoma is most treatable in 98%.