Surprising Facts About Melanoma

Your grandparents may lament the loss of propriety and modesty from when they were young. But more revealing clothing styles may have a bigger effect than shock value: Some researchers believe it is contributing to rising melanoma rates. A recent study explained that tan skin used to be stigmatized — only outdoor laborers were tan. That trend has since reversed, making sun-kissed skin attractive. The New York University study also noted that shrinking bathing suit styles may play a role in the increased rates. In 1950, melanoma rates were three cases per 100,000 people and swimwear exposed about 20 percent of skin. By 1990, when swimwear showed 80 percent of skin, the melanoma rate increased to 20 cases per 100,000 people.