Every six minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. It strikes people from all walks of life, and if it isn’t treated promptly, it can spread to other parts of the body.
Signs of Melanoma
However, if melanoma is treated in its early stages, prognosis is very good. That’s why you should know the signs:
- A new spot on your skin, mole or growth that doesn’t look like your other moles.
- Changes in the shape, color or size of an existing mole.
- A sore that won’t heal.
Higher Risk Areas
Melanoma can occur in various parts of the body, including the liver, mouth, eyes, colon and vagina. You may be at a higher risk of melanoma if you have:
- Moles.
- A family history of melanoma or unusual moles.
- Fair skin.
- A history of blistering sunburns.
Learn more about melanoma, including treatment and clinical trial info, at the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Dr. Mohammed Milhem & the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Mohammed Milhem is the Division Chief of Hematology/Oncology within Internal Medicine and the Associate Director for Clinical Research within the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at The University of Iowa . He currently holds the Holden Family Chair for Experimental Therapeutics and previously served as the co-leader of the Experimental Therapeutics program at the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center from 2012-2018. As the Holden Chair, he maintains oversight of all clinical research activity portfolio and mentor all oncology faculty in clinical trial development.
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Would you like to support the Tad Agnew Foundation and melanoma research? Learn more about how you can get involved and support melanoma research.
