Malignant melanoma

Robin L. Travers, MDSkinCare Physicians

Boston Marathon Qualifier 2005-2011

The most serious form of skin cancer Curable if recognized and treated early In advanced state, serious illness and

death 120,000 cases diagnosed every year 2010: 68,130 invasive melanomas

diagnosed 4% of all skin cancers 80% of all deaths from skin cancers

Number of melanoma cases worldwide is increasing faster than any other cancer!

Doubling of melanoma incidence every 10-20 years

Even greater incidence rates among young women.

In the past decade, the risk of dying from cancer has dropped. But for several cancers, the mortality risk has risen. The most dramatic increase in mortality from 2000-2010 was found for lung cancer (in women) and for melanoma (for both genders)

Melanomas arise from melanocytes

Melanocytes produce pigment: MELANIN

Colors our skin, hair and eyes

Most melanomas arise in the skin

How Melanocytes Evolve Into MelanomaHow Melanocytes Evolve Into Melanoma

Miller AJ, Mihm MC Jr. N Engl J Med 2006;355:51-65.

Sun exposure Moles Skin Type Family History Personal History Weakened Immune System

Breakthrough drugs for advanced and metastatic melanoma

New technologies for early detection Primary care physicians becoming more

skilled and performing more skin examinations

Mortality decrease in Australia

Wear sunscreen and seek shade Wear sun protective clothing and sunglasses Take your Vitamin D Monitor your skin monthly, see your doctor yearly Educate Run 26.2 miles to support the Melanoma Foundation of

New England!