SKIN CANCER

Did You Know These Shoking Facts?

1. About 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancer is caused by sun exposure.

Many of the more than 5 million skin cancer cases diagnosed each year could be prevented by protecting skin from excessive sun exposure and avoiding tanning beds. 

2. More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour. 

Over 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, in the U.S. alone.

3. Skin cancer accounts for more than 50% of all cancer cases.

Each year in the U.S., more people are diagnosed with skin cancer than all other cancers combined.

4. More than 5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed a year.

The most recent numbers estimate over 5.4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S.

5. Skin cancer is most deadly for Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics.

Although people with darker skin are less likely to develop skin cancer, when they do, it is often more deadly. The five-year melanoma survival rate for Black patients is roughly 70%, where it is 94% for white patients.

6. At least 1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70. 

It’s not getting any better. Between 1994 and 2014, diagnosis of nonmelanoma skin cancers in the U.S. went up by 77%. 

7. One bad burn in childhood doubles the risk factor for melanoma later in life.

Protecting children against UV exposure is essential for skin health into adulthood. A blistering sun burn during childhood increases the risk of melanoma as an adult. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. 

8. Men are diagnosed with skin cancer more often than women.

Each year, roughly 50% more men are diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, than women. The difference is even more drastic for melanoma-related deaths, where over 2 times as many men die each year.