Skin cancer is increasing, and the incidence of Malignant Melanoma (MM) has been rising by 3-7% every year since 1989.1 MM accounts for only 2% of all skin cancers worldwide, however it causes the majority of skin cancer related deaths.2 The occurrence is highest in New Zealand and Australia, while, in Europe, the incidence for men is highest in Switzerland and for women in Denmark.2 Caucasian people now have a 2.4% (1 in 40) chance of developing MM in their lifetime, while Hispanics have a 0.5% (1 in 200) chance and Africans a 0.1% (1 in 1,000) chance of developing the disease.3 According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 9,940 people in the US will die of melanoma in 2015.3
Most MMs arise in previously normal skin, though having more than 100 moles increases the chances of having a MM fourfold, as do atypical or very large moles.4 Any changes in asymmetry, border, colour…
