Jun 21, 2024 - News
Melanoma cases on the rise in Ohio
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Doctors are diagnosing Ohioans with melanoma at a higher rate than the national average.
Why it matters: Although melanoma accounts for only about 1% of skin cancers, it's responsible for the large majority of skin cancer deaths.
By the numbers: Ohio averaged 25.3 melanoma cases per 100,000 people between 2016-2020, per the National Cancer Institute.
- Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S.
- New cases of melanoma rose 2% to 3% annually nationwide between 2015 and 2019, Axios' Tina Reed reports.
Threat level: More extreme heat and sunshine means greater risk, but sun exposure isn't the only possible reason for the uptick in diagnoses.
- Other factors: More effective skin cancer detection and the fact that many Americans are living longer.
Go deeper: How to pick a "safe" sunscreen.