How many people get melanoma skin cancer?
Cancer of the skin is the most common of all cancers. Melanoma accounts for about 4% of skin cancer cases, but it causes most skin cancer deaths. The number of new cases of melanoma in the United States is on the rise. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2006 there will be 62,190 new cases of melanoma in this country. About 7,910 people will die of this disease. What causes melanoma skin cancer? We do not yet know exactly what causes melanoma skin cancer, but we do know that certain risk factors are linked to the disease. Different cancers have different risk factors. Some risk factors, such as smoking, can be controlled. Others, like a person’s age or family history, can’t be changed. • Risk Factors for Melanoma Skin Cancer Sunlight (UV radiation): Too much exposure to UV radiation is a risk factor for melanoma. The main source of such radiation is sunlight. Tanning lamps and booths are another source. Moles: A mole (nevus) is a benign (not cancerous) skin tumor. Certain typ
