Half of all people who learn they have melanoma of the foot die within five years because the cancer had already spread throughout their body by the time it was diagnosed.

Nearly 60,000 people will learn they have melanoma this year. Its not known how many of those cases will involve the foot, but more than 8,100 melanoma patients will die – nearly one death every hour. If melanoma is detected in its earliest stages, 92% of patients are alive after five years.

Routine self examination of the feet is an important way to detect skin cancer early, when its easier to cure. Focusing on the three most common areas for foot melanoma; the soles, between the toes, and around or under the toenails, is recommended.

Source: www.footphysicians.com