Increasing, with Australia and New Zealand leading the way (37.7 cases/100,000 men and 29.4 in 100,000
women). In American whites, incidence has more than tripled in just two decades, with a prevalence of 6.4
cases/100,000 men and 11.7/100,000 women. In fact, the U.S. lifetime risk for melanoma has increased
2000% since 1930 (from 1/1500 to 1/65). If noninvasive melanoma in situ is included, the risk is
now 1/37 Americans. Hence, the need for prompt diagnosis, since unlike basal and squamous cell
carcinomas, melanomas are very aggressive. They cause six of seven skin cancer deaths. In fact, one
American dies each hour from metastatic melanoma.
women). In American whites, incidence has more than tripled in just two decades, with a prevalence of 6.4
cases/100,000 men and 11.7/100,000 women. In fact, the U.S. lifetime risk for melanoma has increased
2000% since 1930 (from 1/1500 to 1/65). If noninvasive melanoma in situ is included, the risk is
now 1/37 Americans. Hence, the need for prompt diagnosis, since unlike basal and squamous cell
carcinomas, melanomas are very aggressive. They cause six of seven skin cancer deaths. In fact, one
American dies each hour from metastatic melanoma.