An ounce of prevention truly is worth a pound of cure when it comes to combating this disease. Deaths from melanoma will number about 7,300. Incidence of melanoma has increased about 4 percent a year, from 5.7 per 100,000 in 1973 to 12.2 per 100,000 in 1993. Incidence of melanoma is much higher among light-skinned people. Because of a possible link between severe childhood sunburns and greatly increased risk of melanoma later in life, children in particular should be protected from the sun.
Melanomas often start as small, mole-like growths that increase in size and change color.
Any sudden or progressive increase in size is of particular concern. Melanomas can occur in areas that are not sun-exposed. Depending on the stage, some lymph nodes may be removed in addition to the primary tumor site and surrounding area. Malignant melanoma can spread quickly. When detected in its earliest stages and with proper treatment, it is highly curable.