As with any other cancer, the stage of diagnosis affects the most likely
outcome for survival. Basal and squamous cell cancers, if found and treated early,
have a very high chance of being cured.
Melanoma is also highly treatable if detected early. For melanoma that has
not spread out to other areas, the 5-year survival rate is 98%. For melanoma
that has spread to its nearby regions, the survival rate is 60%. Melanoma that
has spread to distant areas of the body has a survival rate of 16%.
Fortunately, according to the American Cancer Society, 83% of all melanomas are
diagnosed at a localized stage.
I bet those people are thankful that they went to their doctors when they
did. Especially the ones who really thought it was no big deal but finally
caved in to the pressure of their loved ones to “just have it looked it at.” If
you’ve noticed some changes on your skin that you aren’t too worried about, go
see your doctor and let him or her reinforce your theory. Self-diagnosis can be
a very bad thing, especially if you don’t have a medical degree. And besides,
it’s always better to be a hypochondriac than a corpse. Best wishes to you for
a happy and healthy life.