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Skin Cancer
Rates vary by type: melanoma vs non-non-melanoma. Melanoma survival drops sharply in Stage IV.
Early-stage skin cancer is highly curable and inexpensive.
Stage IV treatment is extremely costly, and survival is low, emphasizing the importance of early detection and screening.
- Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US
- 1 in 5 people in the US will develop skin cancer by age 70.
- More than 9,500 peple are diagnosed every day and over 2 people die every hour from skin cancer.
Melanoma (Most serious type of skin cancer) – Melanoma accounts for ~75% of skin cancer deaths, despite being only ~1% of cases.
- In 2025, an estimated 200,340 new cases of melanoma skin cancer will be diagnosed in the US.
- 100,640 invasive, 99,700 non-invasive
- This year, an estimated 8,290 people will die from melanoma skin cancer (5,430 men, 2,860 women)
Modifiable Risk Factors include:
- Sunlight and tanning beds are the primary cause of most skin cancers.
- History of sunburns, especially blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence.
- Outdoor work or recreation without sunscreen.
- Smoking
Early Detection = Protection. What can you do to lower your risk?
- Regular skin checks with monthly self-exams and annual dermatologist visits to detect changes.
- Follow the ABCDE rule for moles (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving).
- Prompt evaluation of suspicious lesions by a healthcare professional.
- High Risk individuals should discuss screening frequently with their doctor.
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+), reapply every 2 hours.
- Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
- Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m..
This is part 6 of a series on specific Cancers that have preventive screenings. Stay tuned to find out more about each of the 6 cancers.
To View All Parts Click Here!
Written by: Kelly McCall, Manager Health Intelligence Analytics