The worst states for melanoma

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world, and melanoma is the most dangerous kind of skin cancer. It affects about 2 percent of people during their lifetime on average, and rates are going up. Unlike basal and squamous cell carcinomas, melanoma of the skin starts deeper within the skin and spreads quickly unless removed.

But really, how seriously do you take skin cancer? The answer to that question might depend on your age, race, and where you live, and all of these factors determine your risk. The older you are and the paler your skin, the higher your chances are of being diagnosed with skin cancer of any type. Even though sun exposure plays a big part, the sunniest places in America are not the places with the highest incidences of melanoma. Indeed, the state-by-state statistics may surprise you.

The states with the highest rates of melanoma

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the highest rates of melanoma are in some of the cloudiest states, like Washington, Oregon, and Vermont. Rates are per 100,000 residents, and it should be noted that data is not available for Arkansas or Minnesota.

1. Delaware—32.6

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