Melanoma: Current Incidence, Diagnosis, and Preventive Strategies

Melanoma is a highly visible, increasingly common, and potentially lethal form of skin cancer. Risk factors include sun exposure, race, and family history. While most common in fair-skinned Caucasians, melanomas tend to occur on non sun-exposed areas among dark-skinned individuals and are associated with a poorer prognosis. Effective screening and early diagnosis are critical to survival, as complete excision offers the best hope of a cure. Primary care providers are in a unique position to screen, diagnose, and help patients prevent melanoma.