Mapped: Melanoma cases in the DMV
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Doctors are diagnosing more people with melanoma.
Why it matters: Although melanoma accounts for only about 1% of skin cancers, it's responsible for the large majority of skin cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
By the numbers: Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S.
- New cases of melanoma rose 2% to 3% annually between 2015 and 2019, Axios' Tina Reed reports.
- In particular, there's been an increase in the number of people diagnosed with skin cancer over the age of 50, says Shanthi Sivendran, ACS senior vice president of cancer care support.
- ACS estimates that about 100,640 new cases of melanoma skin cancer will be diagnosed this year.
Zoom in: D.C.'s rate of new cases — approximately 9 per 100,000 people each year — is far below the national average of 22.5, per the CDC.
- Rates are slightly below the national average in Virginia (approximately 21 new cases), and above it in Maryland (24.5).
What they're saying: "People who get periodically sunburnt frequently tend to have a higher risk of developing melanoma," says Henry Lim, a dermatologist at Henry Ford Health in Detroit and former president of the American Academy of Dermatology.
- And sun exposure has a clear connection to basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers.
Yes, but: "More sun exposure" isn't the only possible reason for the uptick in melanoma diagnoses.
- Other factors: More effective skin cancer detection and the fact that many Americans are living longer, according to Sivendran.
Using sunscreen is helpful for preventing skin cancer, and also wrinkles and skin discoloration.
- More tips for avoiding sun damage: stay in the shade, wear hats and other protective clothing while in the sun, and use sunscreen and reapply it.