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Skin Cancer: Module
14
Table I Questions
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to Module 14
Question 1: Which
four states have the highest rates of mortality from melanoma? Are you
surprised by the answer? How might you explain it? Use what you know about
causes of melanoma, risk factors, and prevention (primary, secondary,
and tertiary).
Answer:
The four states
with the highest mortality rates were Delaware, Hawaii, Nevada, and Vermont.
It may seem surprising that the states with the highest mortality rates
are not all in the south. But this pattern fits with what we know about
intense, intermittent sun exposure increasing the risk for melanoma. People
who live in the north are more likely to play in the sun or vacation in
sunny climates. These are both ways to get short, strong bursts of sun.
These rates are age-adjusted and presented for whites only. So differences
in age and racial/ethnic distribution should not be a factor. Differences
in sun protection habits and patterns of sun exposure are likely a factor.
(Examples of these are recreation, travel, and preferring tanned skin.)
Differences in public awareness of skin cancer may be a factor. Access
to screening and treatment may be involved as well.
Question 2: Which states
have the lowest rates of mortality from melanoma (<=2/100,000)? Are
you surprised by the answer? Why? Why not? Again, suggest a reason for
this finding.
Answer:
North Dakota, Minnesota,
Michigan, Mississippi, and Wisconsin all have rates <= 2 per 100,000.
Answers may vary, but should address many of the points raised above.
Question 3: Find
"UV Index listings." Under this heading, click on: "graphs
of yearly values for each city." Look at the data for 1998.
- What is the highest
UV Index for the state with the highest melanoma mortality rate?
- What is the highest
UV Index for the state with the lowest melanoma mortality rate?
- How can you explain
this?
Answer:
- Delaware is the state
with the highest melanoma mortality rate. The highest UV Index for Dover,
Delaware, was between 9 and 10. (It depends on whether the clear sky
UV Index or UV Index forecast is used.)
- North Dakota is the
state with the lowest melanoma mortality rate. The highest UV Index
for Bismarck, North Dakota, was between 7 and 9.
- Answers may vary.
The age and racial/ethnic makeup of the people who live in the state
may explain it. It also depends on how many days the UV Index is high.
Plus people's sun exposure habits play a role.
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