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Melanoma is much less common but a more dangerous cancer. A melanoma can start in a mole or simply grow in normal skin. It is extremely rare in children, and is directly related to sun exposure and genetic inheritance. Moles can appear on any person, any part of the body, at any time. But if your mole changes shape, color or appearance, there is no time to waste, according to the physicians at National Cancer Institute(2002). Malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is the most rapidly increasing form of cancer in the United States. Over 54,200 cases will be diagnosed this year (American Cancer Society, 2003). Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays appears to be the most important preventable factor in the development of skin cancer. Skin cancer is largely preventable when sun protection measures against UV rays are used consistently. However, approximately 50% of adults in the United States do not regularly practice such measures. Young people have moderate to high awareness of skin cancer but are unaware of the connection between severe sunburns and skin cancer; sunburns, although considered painful and embarrassing, are not perceived as a health threat. (Cancer Facts and Figures, American Cancer Society, 2003). The physician will tell you whether the melanoma is early or advanced by describing it as either in situ or invasive. "In situ" is Latin and means "in one site" or "localized." Melanomas in situ occupy only the uppermost part of the epidermis, the top layers of the skin.
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