Melanomas often develop from pre-existing moles but may also arise in normal skin and in freckles, blemishes, birthmarks, and other pigmented areas. The first step in finding melanoma is to learn about moles, which are common pigmented skin lesions that may be flat or raised. Ten to fifteen percent of the white population has atypical moles. Melanoma is rare in children under age 12. In the U.S., the incidence of melanoma is about equal in males and females but males have a higher death rate from melanoma, probably because they check their skin less frequently.
Melanoma occurs in every part of the country.
The five states with the highest predicted incidence of new melanoma cases are California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania. When adjusted for population differences, the prevalence of melanoma is nearly as high in Massachusetts as in Florida and almost as high in New York as in Texas and California. The risk in northern and central states is not much less than in sunbelt states. The Melanoma Education Foundation is intended for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. Information provided by the Foundation should not be used for diagnosing or treating a skin problem or disease.