Skin Cancer Facts and Statistics

How Common is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer affects a very large portion of the U.S. population. Here are some general facts on skin cancer incidence and mortality:

• Approximately 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer [2].
• An estimated 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day [3].
• More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined [3].
• More than 2 people die of skin cancer every hour [5].
• When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma (the deadliest skin cancer) is 99% [6].

Melanoma

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and its incidence has been rapidly rising.

• About 8,430 people are expected to die of melanoma in 2025 [7]. 
• Experiencing 5 or more sunburns, even in childhood, doubles your risk of developing melanoma [8].
• Having a lighter skin tone is a major risk factor for melanoma. In fact, the lifetime risk of developing melanoma is about 3% (1 in 33) among White people, compared to 0.5% (1 in 200) among Hispanics and 0.1% (1 in 1000) in Black people [7].
• Melanoma is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in younger adults, particularly women under age 40 [9].
• When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma (the deadliest skin cancer) is 99% [6].
  
  

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common type of skin cancer and primarily involves basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

• About 5.4 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed each year [10]. 
• These cancers spread slowly and aren’t as dangerous as melanoma. But, they can still lead to death if left untreated. In the U.S., it’s estimated that between 2,000 and 8,000 people die annually from NMSCs [10].
• About 90% of NMSC cases are associated with ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure from the sun [11]. 
• Survival rates for basal and squamous cell carcinoma skin cancers are estimated to be near 100% when detected early. However, it is important to note that the true statistics are unknown since cancer registries do not record NMSCs.
  

Preventing Skin Cancer: Easy Steps

Although skin cancer is common, taking basic steps to protect yourself can help prevent it or catch it before it spreads.

• Use sunscreen regularly. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater to exposed skin significantly prevents all types of skin cancer. 
• Avoid excessive sun exposure. Try to stay in the shade whenever possible, and avoid the midday sun (between 10am and 4pm), when UV radiation is strongest.
• Wear protective clothing and accessories, such as long-sleeve shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses, to protect from the sun’s rays. 
• Avoid tanning beds. Indoor tanning exposes your skin to dangerous levels of concentrated UV radiation, which has been shown to cause skin cancer.
• Check your skin regularly and see a dermatologist near you. By checking for new or changing moles or spots and getting professional skin exams, you can detect and treat skin cancer before it spreads.