GREENSBORO, N.C. — In the last couple of days, we've heard about the skin cancer diagnosis of Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York. After announcing she was done with breast cancer treatments at the end of 2023, now the new health issue is malignant melanoma.
Melanoma makes up just 1% of skin cancer cases, but it is also responsible for the majority of deaths.
If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 99% but it drops to 32% once cancer has spread to the organs. Men are more likely to die of melanoma than women and black men are 26% more likely to die of this skin cancer than white men, even though they make up fewer cases.
"If you see anything abnormal, get it checked out," said Josh Paschal. The Detroit Lions Defensive End was diagnosed with melanoma when he was playing for the University of Kentucky. His skin cancer was on the bottom of his foot. He said it started small and insignificant.
"If you put a dot like from a pen, it would be that size," said Paschal.
The American Academy of Dermatology urges everyone to do regular skin checks, that's every year.
Follow the A-B-C-D-E rule when looking at spots on your skin.
Asymmetry
Irregular Border
Varying Color
Diameter
Evolving. Melanomas are usually more than 6 mm and growing.
MORE WAYS TO GET WFMY NEWS 2
Subscribe to our daily newsletter Let’s Get 2 It!
Download the WFMY News 2 APP from your Apple or Google Play store.
ADD THE WFMY+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WFMY.
Amazon Fire TV: Search for WFMY to find the free app to add to your account. You can also add the app directly to your Fire TV through your Amazon account.