The Gallup analysis finds the largest concentrations in the West â and not just in the expected places like San Francisco and Portland, Ore. Among the nationâs 50 largest metropolitan areas, Denver and Salt Lake City are also in the top 10.
The most significant cost increase occurred in treatment for people with melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. The study found that the cost of treatment jumped 106 percent, rising from $2,320 annually to $4,789 annually.
Melanoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in melanocytes (cells that color the skin). The skin is the bodyâs largest organ. It protects against heat, sunlight, injury, and infection. Skin also helps control body temperature and stores water, fat, and vitamin D.here are two forms of skin cancer: melanoma and nonmelanoma. Melanoma is the rarest form of skin cancer. It is more likely to invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body than other types of skin cancer. When melanoma starts in the skin, it is called cutaneous melanoma.