Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, with melanoma-- the most deadly type of skin cancer-- accounting for more than 76,000 cases of skin cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society.
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Melanoma can start on nearly any part of the skin, even in places that aren’t normally exposed to the sun, like the genital or anal areas, the ACS says.
Melanoma accounts for only a small percentage of skin cancers, but it’s much more likely to grow and spread to other parts of the body, where it can be hard to treat.
The ACS says melanoma causes most skin cancer deaths, accounting for more than 10,000 of the more than 13,650 skin cancer deaths each year.
The first Monday of May is Melanoma Monday.
The American Academy of Dermatology has compiled a list of free skin cancer screening sites. Click here to find one nearest you.
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