The 10 Most Common Cancers: Know The Signs and Symptoms

Malignant Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is an incredibly rare and deadly type of skin cancer. Melanoma makes up less than one percent of all skin cancer cases yet it’s believed one person dies roughly every hour due to melanoma. Almost all skin cancer is caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight containing ultraviolet radiation or UV rays. Studies show the chances of being diagnosed with skin cancer doubles if a person has had five or more sunburns in their life. On the other hand, daily use of SPF 15 or greater sunscreen can reduce the risk of skin cancer by as much as 50 percent. It’s a good reason to wear sunscreen.

Melanoma most commonly forms from an existing mole or birthmark but the most dangerous form, nodular melanoma, can also appear as a new lump on the skin. At first, cancerous moles can be flagged by using the following checklist:

• Asymmetry of moles
• Borders – irregular corners and edges
• Color – variegated or irregular
• Diameter – greater than the size of a pencil eraser
• Evolving over time

Warning signs of nodular melanoma are slightly different and include new skin lumps that are firm to the touch, elevated above the skin and growing.