WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR SKIN CHECKED.....
Studies have shown that most melanomas detected in general dermatology practice settings were found as a result of a dermatologist-initiated full body skin exam, not directed by a specific patient complaint.
(Facts from the Skin Cancer Foundation)
- One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime
- Between 40-50% of Americans who live to age 65 will have either basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma at least once
- Over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined
- One person dies of melanoma every hour (54 minutes)
- On average, a persons's risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than five sunburns
- People who first use a tanning bed before age 35 increase their risk for melanoma by 75%