Melanoma is the most fatal form of skin cancer, and incidence rates have steadily risen over the past few decades. As of now, roughly 70,000 new melanoma cases are diagnosed each year. While children only account for about 500 of those cases, this still represents an alarming increase in the number of children with melanoma. What led to these findings?
2 Percent Per Year?!
Based on data from nine U.S. cancer registries, pediatric melanoma cases have increased by as much as 2 percent per year between the years of 1973 and 2009. Girls – especially between the ages of 15 and 19 – were more likely to develop melanoma than boys. While the exact cause of this increase remains unknown, parents and children can both lower their risk for melanoma by using applying sunscreen before heading outdoors, minimizing their time outdoors between 10AM and 4PM, and refraining from using tanning beds.
When Was Your Last Skin Cancer Screening?
Even if all protective measures are taken, regular skin cancer screenings are still necessary, especially for fair-skinned individuals or those with a family history of skin cancer. Contact us today to schedule your skin cancer screening. At Advanced Dermatology, PC, our board-certified dermatologists are experts at diagnosing and treating skin cancer. Our conveniently located offices welcome patients from Queens (Bayside, Flushing), Long Island – Nassau/Suffolk (Roslyn/Albertson, West Islip, Commack, East Setauket), New York City, Westchester County (Ossining), Bergen County, NJ, Union County, NJ, and all surrounding areas.