Melanoma Facts
In 2024, over 200,300 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with melanoma. In 2023, melanoma is expected to take the lives of 7,990 Americans. Melanoma is not just skin cancer. It can develop anywhere on the body. Melanoma does not discriminate by age, race, or gender. Melanoma is the fifth most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in the age range of 30–39. It only takes one horrible sunburn to double a person’s chance of developing melanoma later in life.
Today, approximately 1.3 million people live with melanoma in the U.S. The lifetime risk of getting melanoma is about 1 in 40 for Caucasians, 1 in 200 for Hispanics, and 1 in 1,000 for African Americans. People of color are more likely to get melanoma in areas that don’t see the sun — like the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, and under the nails. Skin cancer in people of color is often diagnosed in later stages, making it more difficult to treat.
Steps to Prevent Melanoma
- Visit your dermatologist for regular body checks.
- Limit sun exposure between the hours of 10:00 a.m-2:00 p.m.
- Always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and reapply every two hours.
- Wear sun-protective clothing including a hat and sunglasses.