| April 2004 Phi Theta Kappa-Missouri Regional Newsletter p.7 |
| FYI Health Series Melanoma in the U.S. � 2002 Estimates New Cases 54,200 Deaths Per Year 7,600 5-Year Localized Survival Rate* 96% 5-Year Overall Survival Rate* 89% For localized melanoma, the 5-year survival rate is 96 percent; survival rates for regional and distant stage diseases are 60 percent and 14 percent, respectively. About 82 percent of melanomas are diagnosed at a localized stage. Frequently Asked Questions What is the skin? The skin is the largest organ of the body. It covers the internal organs and protects them from injury, serves as a barrier between microbes, such as bacteria, and internal organs, and prevents the loss of too much water and other fluids. The skin regulates body temperature and helps rid the body of excess water and salts. Certain cells in the skin communicate with the brain and allow for temperature, touch, and pain sensations. Frequently Asked Questions What is the skin? The skin is the largest organ of the body. It covers the internal organs and protects them from injury, serves as a barrier between microbes, such as bacteria, and internal organs, and prevents the loss of too much water and other fluids. The skin regulates body temperature and helps rid the body of excess water and salts. Certain cells in the skin communicate with the brain and allow for temperature, touch, and pain sensations. What is Nonmelanoma (Basal or Squamous Cell) Skin Cancer? Most skin cancers are classified as non-melanoma, usually occurring in either basal cells or squamous cells. These cells are located at the base of the outer layer of the skin or cover the internal and external surfaces of the body. Most non-melanoma skin cancers develop on sun-exposed areas of the body, like the face, ear, neck, lips, and the backs of the hands. Depending on the type, they can be fast or slow growing, but they rarely spread to other parts of the body. What is Melanoma Skin Cancer? Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the melanocytes � the cells that produce the skin coloring or pigment known as melanin. Melanin helps protect the deeper layers of the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Melanoma is almost always curable when it is detected in its early stages. Although melanoma accounts for only a small percentage of skin cancer, it is far more dangerous than other skin cancers, and it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths. How many people are affected by skin cancer? Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. It accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States. More than one million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer are found in this country each year. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 54,200 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the United States during 2003. Who survives skin cancer? For basal cell or squamous cell cancers, a cure is highly likely if detected and treated early. Melanoma, even though it can spread to other body parts quickly, is also highly curable if detected early and treated properly. The five-year relative survival rate for patients with melanoma is 89%. For localized melanoma, the five-year survival rate is 96%; survival rates for regional and distant stage diseases are 60% and 14% respectively. About 82% of melanomas are diagnosed at a localized stage. |
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