Skin. It’s the largest organ of the body. So, it’s not surprising that skin cancer, specifically melanoma, is in the top five of the most common cancers in the United States. The American Melanoma Foundation says one American dies of melanoma almost every hour. In the Sunshine State, melanoma is responsible for about 75 percent of all skin cancer deaths.
It’s the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults. According to a report from the U.S. Surgeon General last summer, about 6,000 cases of melanoma are estimated to be related to indoor tanning in the U.S. Today in our segment “You’re Never Too Young - Stories of Skin Cancer” we explore the steadily increasing rates of melanoma in young people, the reasons, the treatments and the prevention.Guests:
Two women who had melanoma when they were young: Ava Kaplan from Naples and Jessica Cosden from Fort Myers.
Dermatologist Dr. Stephen Ducatman, Woodruff Institute in Bonita Springs and Naples.
Matt Russell, CEO of the International Smart Tan Network
Beth Hayes, program manager for mission delivery for the Florida Division of the American Cancer Society.
WGCU invites you to share your story here. And, learn more about PBS's Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies.