more aware of the dangers of melanoma
and the importance of avoiding exposure
to harmful UV rays. Nevertheless,
new research reveals that the number of
Americans being diagnosed with this serious
form of skin cancer—and dying from it—is
still on the rise. One in 54 people in the U.S.
can expect to develop invasive melanoma
over a lifetime, compared with one in 58 in
2009, the study found. The number of cases
of early-stage melanomas has increased
even more dramatically, jumping from one
in every 78 people in 2009 to one in every
58 people in 2016, Medscape.com reports.
What accounts for the worrisome trend?
“An aging population with high levels of
sun exposure throughout their lives, prior
to the widespread adoption of sunscreens
and sun-protective clothing,
may be contributing to the increased
incidence of melanoma,” says lead
author Dr. Alex Glazer. Other lifestyle
habits, such as indoor tanning,
may also be fueling the statistical
spike, as well as improved detection,
which could mean that more cases are
being diagnosed and reported.