As you know, melanoma is a very serious form of skin cancer. A study perfomed at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City by Dr. Daniel Coit presents evidence that those who have already had melanoma are more prone to get it again.

The researchers estimate that the risk of a second melanoma is 11.4% in people who have already had one.

According to the study, the likelihood of a recurring melanoma is even higher if you have a family history or a personal history of abnormal moles. The risk for a second melanoma nearly doubles with these extra factors.

Over 4,400 melanoma patients were included in the study and were followed for 2.2 years on average.

For those who’ve had melanoma once, Dr. Coit recommends seeing a dermatologist for a skin surveillance at least twice a year and performing a self examination once a month. Fortunately, melanoma shows itself in the form of an abnormal mole.