12 Need to Know Facts About Skin Cancer Melanoma

Happy Melanoma Monday! This year, Monday, May 3rd is dedicated to celebrating those who have been impacted by skin cancer melanoma and spreading awareness about the disease.

Today, we go over 12 facts you should know about skin cancer melanoma as well as ways to prevent it. 

Melanoma Is the Deadliest Form of Skin Cancer

If you’re a fan of UV Skinz and an advocate for sun protection awareness, you probably already know that skin cancer melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and that it is primarily caused by exposure to UV radiation from the sun.

But, you might not be aware that melanoma is the most likely cancer to form in men 49 and younger or that melanoma accounts for an average of 5.5% of all new cancer cases in men and women.

Here are 12 need to know facts about melanoma for you to share with your loved ones this Melanoma Monday:

1. The number of new melanoma cases diagnosed is estimated to increase by 5.8 percent in 2021.

2. It’s estimated that the number of melanoma deaths in 2021 will increase by 4.8 percent.

3. The number of new invasive melanoma cases diagnosed has increased by 44 percent over the past decade (2011-2021).

4. It is estimated that 7,180 people will die of melanoma in 2021. Of those, 4,600 will be men and 2,580 will be women.

5. Almost all melanomas are caused by the sun. A study found that over 86% of melanomas can be attributed to exposure to UV radiation from the sun.

6. The estimated five-year survival rate for patients whose melanoma is detected early is about 99 percent.

7. 70 to 80 percent of melanomas appear on previously normal appearing skin. 20 to 30 percent of melanomas form in pre existing moles.

8. It is estimated that an individual's likelihood of developing melanoma doubles after experiencing only five sunburns.

9. Men age 49 and under have a higher probability of developing melanoma than any other cancer.

10. From ages 15 to 39, men are 55 percent more likely to die of melanoma than women in the same age group.

11. 6% of all new cancer cases diagnosed in men and 5% of all new cancer cases diagnosed in women will be melanoma.

12. Daily use of sun protection reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50%.

Keep your skin safe by choosing to wear UPF 50+ clothing and swimwear whenever you're outside - especially when the sun's UV index is high. Check out UV Skin's sun protective clothing today.