Melanoma is the most common form of cancer in young adults.

Once considered a cancer primarily affecting middle-aged and older adults, melanoma is rising dramatically in the young. A recent study of young people from the Roswell Park Cancer Institute  (RPCI) in Buffalo, New York, found that melanoma incidence in children, adolescents and young adults has increased by more than 250 percent since 1973!

Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25 to 29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for young people 15-29 years old. Females have the highest melanoma rates. This is most likely due to their far greater use of tanning beds.

The study also noted that melanoma survival rates are increasing due to earlier diagnoses and better treatments.

If you notice an irregularly pigmented, irregularly shaped or changing mole, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Margaret Sommerville or your dermatologist as possible. This could potentially save your life since early detection is key to ensuring the cure and preventing distal spread of the cancer (metastases).

READ FULL INTERVIEW WITH DR. MARGARET SOMMERVILLE ON SKIN CANCER MELANOMA AND REDUCING YOUR RISK.

Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Margaret Sommerville, welcomes patients from the entire Washington, DC metropolitan area including Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, Kensington, Silver Spring, and Olney in Maryland, as well as Arlington, Alexandria, McLean and Great Falls in Virginia. Please call 301.656.7546 to schedule a consultation.

Tags: Melanoma, Moles, Skin Cancer

Category: Skin Cancer

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