Question:
Please provide some information on melanoma.
Answer:
Government researchers said they
expect more than a million new skin cancer cases
to be diagnosed this year and announced a new
campaign designed to keep children out of the
sun.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
said the most serious form of skin cancer,
melanoma, could result in as many as 7,700 deaths
this year.
Public campaigns increasing awareness of skin
cancer risks have been effective in Australia,
where extremely high skin cancer rates have been
falling, the CDC said Thursday. It hopes its new
campaign of upbeat, youth-oriented TV, radio and
print ads will have the same effect. The ads tell
children and teens to use sunscreen, wear wide-
brim hats and avoid the midday sun.
"Young people need to know that the risk of
getting skin cancer later can be greatly reduced
if they start protecting their skin from the sun
now," CDC Director Jeffrey P. Koplan said. "What
you do when you are eight, 10, 15 and 20 can make
a big difference when you're 40."
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in
the United States. Unprotected skin can be harmed
by ultraviolet rays in as little as 15 minutes,
yet it can take up to 12 hours for skin to show
the full effects of sun exposure, the CDC said.
Although most Americans are aware of the dangers
of sun exposure, it is estimated that only one
third take steps to protect their skin.
