Malignant melanoma - the deadliest variety of skin cancer - is on the rise. In 1935, individuals had a one in 1,500 lifetime risk of malignant melanoma. In 2000, the odds changed to one in 75. By 2010, they will be one in 50. Because many people enjoy spending time outdoors, Long Islanders appear to be particularly at risk.

Michael Dannenberg, MD

Risk Factors for Melanoma

• Personal history of malignant melanoma
• Family history of melanoma
• Personal history of precancerous lesions
• History of blistering sunburns before age 20
• History of having spent three or more summers working outdoors before age 20
• Extensive freckling."

Having two of the above risk factors results in a three-and-a-half fold increased risk of malignant melanoma. Having three or more risk factors increases the likelihood of developing malignant melanoma 12 times.

A malignant melanoma removed in its earliest stages is 98-100% curable.

Each year in May, Huntington Hospital offers a FREE Skin Cancer Screening. Screenings typically attract 150 - 200 people. "We ideally hope to reach people who do not get regular dermatologic care," said Michael Dannenberg, MD, Chief of Dermatology. "We want to get to people who don't have a working knowledge of skin cancer and have not previously seen a dermatologist for screening. We hope to use the free screening to reach out to people who have spent a lot of time in the sun, continue to overexpose themselves to the sun, have a history of many sunburns, and have never had a skin cancer screening."

Even with the incidence of malignant melanoma increasing, it is not the most common type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is more common, surpassing all other cancers as the most common to affect the human species.

"The real pity of a malignant melanoma death is that it is completely avoidable," Dr. Dannenberg pointed out. "It is not like pancreatic, lung, breast, or prostate cancer, where you're not aware of it. Malignant melanoma is visible in almost all patients. It is something that the patient has seen and ignored, usually for years."