UNDERSTANDING MELANOMA
Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the melanocytes, a certain type of skin cell. Because most melanoma cells still make melanin, melanoma tumors are often brown or black in color. Some melanomas do not make melanin and can appear pink, tan or even white. Additionally, melanoma may appear as a lump or nodule under the skin.
Melanoma affects people of all ages and races, and it is estimated that more than 207,000 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the United States this year. This is a combination of invasive and non-invasive cases. Melanoma is the most common cancer in young adults ages 25 to 29 and the second most common cancer in women ages 15-29.
It is important to conduct monthly self-skin exams and have a comprehensive fully-body skin exam annually. When melanoma is detected in an early stage, it is highly treatable. While one American dies of melanoma every hour, ongoing research and advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy bring great hope to patients with later stage disease.
MORE ABOUT MELANOMA
CLINICAL TRIALS FOR MELANOMA
OTHER SKIN CANCERS
WHAT'S YOUR RISK FOR MELANOMA?
YOUR GUIDE TO EARLY DETECTION
SKIN CANCER IN PEOPLE OF COLOR
TIPS FOR PREVENTION
A PATIENT'S GUIDE TO IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY