Cancer of the skin is, by far, the most common of all cancers in the U.S.: More than 5 million annually.
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, affecting the cells that make the pigment that gives skin its color (melanocytes).
The exact cause of all melanomas isn’t clear, but most are triggered by exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun and artificial sources. Melanomas can develop in areas of the body with little or no UV exposure, such as between toes, under fingernails and genitals. Melanoma risk increases with age and accumulated UV exposure. Other factors include family history, having many moles or skin that sunburns easily and a weakened immune system.
Even though melanoma accounts for just 1% of all skin cancer cases, it causes the large majority of skin cancer deaths because malignant cells can spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early, which often starts with surgery to remove the cancer.
Melanoma
Research at Sanford Burnham Prebys
Experts Available
Linda Bradley PhD
Hyungsoo Kim PhD
Eduard Sergienko PhD
Media Contacts
Greg Calhoun
(586) 530-9706
gcalhoun@sbpdiscovery.org
Scott LaFee
(619) 889-2368
slafee@spbdiscovery.org