An estimated 6,400 Iowans will die of cancer this year, reports the State Health Registry of Iowa.

The annual report by the University of Iowa includes a special section on skin melanoma and gives an overview of projected cancer cases statewide, and county by county.

Some results:

• 16,900 new cancers will be diagnosed among Iowa residents.
• Cancer and heart disease remain the leading causes of death in Iowa.
• The distribution and frequency of the different types of cancer are largely unchanged.
• Lung cancer will be the most common fatal cancer for men and women, accounting for 25 percent of cancer deaths.

The special section on skin cancer comes as reports of the disease grow.

“While largely preventable, skin melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers in Iowa and is the fifth most common cancer in both males and females,” according to the report. “Experts say several factors have likely contributed to the increase, including increased early exposure to ultraviolet light, heightened public awareness and earlier diagnosis.”