Melanoma on the Rise in Minnesota

Woman in a sun hat canoeing on a Minnesota lake, practicing sun safety to reduce melanoma risk.

Why a Cold State Has a Hotbed of Skin Cancer

Written by Mariam Malik | Medically reviewed by Hannah Petterson, PA-C

Minnesota currently ranks second in the nation for melanoma cases. This is not just a statistic; it’s a public health red flag that demands our immediate attention. With Minnesota’s long winters and modest sunshine, you would assume residents are at a lower risk for sun-related skin issues. So, why is melanoma so prevalent in a state known for ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and cloudy days? And more importantly, what can Minnesotans do about it?

Understanding Melanoma: The Key to Prevention

Melanoma is a type of cancer that begins in the melanocytes. These skin cells are responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color and helps protect against sun damage. While melanoma is the rarest form of skin cancer, it is also the most dangerous. Think of it this way: Melanoma is like a silent alarm in your skin. It doesn’t always look threatening, but if ignored, it can become deadly in as little as six weeks. 

The Minnesota Paradox: Cold Climate, High Skin Cancer

So why are melanoma rates climbing in Minnesota? Several factors may be at play:

  1. Intermittent UV exposure: Minnesotans often spend months indoors, only to dive headfirst into summer once it arrives. This “binge-sunning” behavior, like squeezing in hikes and lake days, leads to intense bursts of UV exposure.
  2. Light-skinned population: 82.3% of Minnesotans have fair skin, which is more vulnerable to UV damage and melanoma.
  3. Cultural habits: Whether skipping sunscreen during cabin weekends or using tanning beds during long winters, behavior plays a vital role in how much UV exposure you get. 

Know Your Enemy: 4 Types of Melanoma

Not all melanomas are the same. These are the four most common types:

  1. Superficial Spreading Melanoma (70% of all melanoma cases)
  • First, it grows outward on the skin.
  • It typically looks like a flat, dark spot changing shape, color, or size.
  • The only type that can start in existing moles. 
  1. Nodular Melanoma (20% of all melanoma cases)
  • Appears as a raised bump → usually dark brown or black, but sometimes red or pink. 
  • Grows deep into the skin, unlike other types.
  1. Lentigo Maligna Melanoma.
  • Common in older adults.
  • Begins as an irregular brown spot in high-sun areas (face, ears).
  1. Acral Lentiginous Melanoma
  • Rare but more common in people with dark skin.
  • Starts in less sun-exposed areas: palms, soles, under fingernails.

Spot the Signs: ABCDE (and Beyond)

Most people know how to watch their moles, but what should they look for? The ABCDE rule is a great place to start:

  • A is for asymmetry: One half of the spot does not match the other. 
  • B is for border: The edges are ragged or blurred. 
  • C is for color: The color is uneven and may include patches of black, brown, red, pink, white, and blue. 
  • D is for diameter: The spot grows larger than a pencil eraser (¼ inch).
  • E is for evolving: The spot changes in shape, size, and/or color. 

But melanoma doesn’t always follow the rules. Watch for hidden signs, too:

  • A dark streak under your fingernails.
  • Dark spot on your eye or gum.
  • Itching, bleeding, or a mole/dark spot that feels “off”.

Genetics, UV, and the Mystery of Melanoma

While UV exposure is a significant risk factor (especially tanning beds and sunburn), genetics also plays a role. Some people inherit faulty genes, like CDKNA2A, CDK4, or BAP1, that mess with how your skin cells grow and repair themselves. These genetic links don’t mean you’re doomed. But it does mean you should be extra vigilant, especially in Minnesota, where environmental and behavioral risk factors are already stacked. 

A Call to Action for Minnesota

Yes, melanoma can be deadly, but if it’s caught early, it has a 99% survival rate. Yet, it continues to rise in Minnesota. 

Here’s what you can do:

  • Use sunscreen every day, even in the winter.
  • Get an annual skin check, especially if you are over 40 or have a family history. 
  • Avoid tanning beds, seriously, stay away. 

Melanoma is one of the most serious forms of cancer, but it doesn’t have to be a life sentence. If you’re a Minnesotan, it’s time to look beyond the snow and consider the sun. 

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