Although we seem to be more aware of the dangers of sunlight exposure and the risks tanning beds present to our skin, researchers say the risk of developing skin cancer is growing, especially in Minnesota.
Melanoma & Skin Cancer
As we mentioned in a previous blog, Minnesota ranked in the top five for states with the most reported incidents of skin cancer. In fact, Minnesota is one of 21 states that experienced an increase in melanoma incidence and death rates from skin cancer over the past decade. That echoes a similar trend across the nation, as a comparison of data found that the number of cases of skin cancer grew to 23.6 cases per 100,000 in 2016, up from 22.2 cases per 100,000 in 2009. That may not seem like a huge spike, but that means roughly 8,000 more people were diagnosed with skin cancer in 2016 compared to just seven years ago. Researchers say the relative risk of developing an invasive melanoma has jumped from 1 in 58 to 1 in 54.
“Despite the 2014 Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer, this study’s results demonstrate that the incidence of invasive melanoma in the United States is increasing on a lesser trajectory in the last seven years than the mortality rate, suggesting that we may not yet be seeing the effect of earlier detection on melanoma mortality,” the researchers wrote.
Why So High In Minnesota?
Health officials in Minnesota weren’t surprised by the findings, saying that Minnesota is a high-risk state for skin cancer. You might imagine states like California or Nevada as a more typical high-risk state, but health officials say demographics and employment play a big role in a state’s overall skin cancer risk.
For example, Minnesota has a high population of white individuals – 85 percent according to the most recent US Census. White people are at the greatest risk for developing melanomas and skin cancer. Additionally, men over 60 are also at an elevated risk for skin cancer, and Minnesota has a large population of this demographic as well. Finally, researchers say many of those men participate or used to work in outdoor industries like construction or farming, which involves repeatedly UV radiation exposure.
However, there is a silver lining. Some people believe Minnesota has a higher incidence rate than many states because we boast one of the best healthcare systems in the nation.
“Incidence is related to detection,” said Minnesota Department of Health Cancer Policy Specialist Michelle Strangis. “And we have a very good healthcare system in Minnesota, so we are probably detecting more skin cancers.”
Protect Your Skin
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember to protect your skin every day, even in the winter time. And remember, if you spot a new mole or an old mole appears to be changing shape or color, have it looked at immediately by a skin care specialist. The sooner you have a mole examined and diagnosed, the better the treatment outcomes are. If you have a mole that you want Dr. Koeplin to look at, click here to set up a consultation.
