Skip to content | Skip to institutional links

Common menu bar links

Institutional links

Diseases & Conditions

Health & Safety

Research & Statistics

Surveillance

Agency Information

Proactive Disclosure

Search Box

Centres

E-mail this page

Melanoma Skin Cancer

Melanoma is a cancer that starts in the cells that produce melanin, called melanocytes. Most melanocytes are located in the skin; almost all melanomas are skin cancers. It occurs when a melanocyte grows uncontrollably and develops into a tumour. Melanoma is most frequently found on the back of men and on the back and legs of women. It is the least common, but most serious, type of skin cancer.

In 2008 an estimated 4,600 Canadians will be diagnosed with melanoma and 910 Canadians will die from it. Melanoma accounts for about 1.2% of all cancer deaths.
1 in 74 men and 1 in 90 women is expected to develop melanoma during their lifetime; 1 in 284 men, and 1 in 486 women, will die of it.
Superfical spreading melanoma, nodular melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma, and acral lentiginous melanoma make up 90% of all diagnosed melanomas. Superfical spreading melanoma is the most common type and represents 70% of all melanomas.

Risk Factors

There is no single cause of melanoma skin cancer. Some factors may increase a person's chance of developing melanoma:

Personal or family history of melanoma.
Presence of moles--especially if there are many, or if they are unusual or large.
Sun sensitivity--sun burning easily, or difficulty tanning.
Light colored skin, eyes, and hair.
History of excessive sun exposure.
Diseases that suppress the immune system.
Occupational exposure to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds, or radium.