ABSTRACT
New knowledge and guidelines regarding the genetics, biology, and treatment of melanoma continue to rapidly change and develop. The incidence of melanoma is increasing at a greater rate than any other human cancer in the United States and the increase in the mortality rate is second only to lung cancer. Since 1973, the incidence rate has been rising 4-6% each year. In 1995, approximately 34,100 new cases were reported in the United States resulting in 7200 deaths, or one death every hour and 13 minutes. Nearly half of these new cases occurred in people younger than 40 years of age. Melanoma is presently the seventh most common type of cancer overall. It is the most common cancer in women between 25 and 29 years of age, and second only to breast cancer in women 30-35 years of age. Lifetime analysis reveals that approximately one in 75 persons born in the year 2000 will develop melanoma during their lifetime. Despite the rapidly increasing incidence of melanoma over the past five decades, the overall 5-year survival rate increased from 40% in 1940 to the present 80%. Earlier detection, diagnosis, and surgical excision are probably the most significant factors accounting for the increase in overall survival rates during the past decades.
