Skin Cancer
Important Skin Cancer Facts and Statistics from the Skin Cancer Foundation:
- One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
- Each year over 5.4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer are treated.
- Basal cell cancer is the most common form of skin cancer; more than 4 million cases are diagnosed in the U.S. per year
- Squamous cell cancer is the second most common form of skin cancer; more than 1 million cases are diagnosed in the U.S. per year.
- Actinic keratosis is the most common pre cancer affecting more than 58 million Americans.
- One person dies of melanoma every hour.
- Melanoma accounts for less than 1% of skin cancer cases but the majority of skin cancer deaths.
- A person’s risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than 5 sunburns.
- More people develop skin cancer because of tanning than develop lung cancer because of smoking.
- Individuals who have used tanning beds have an increased risk of developing basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer, and melanoma.
- Sun damage is cumulative and causes 90% of skin aging. Daily sunscreen use can decrease skin aging.
- Skin cancer can occur in African Americans and Asians. Melanomas often occur in non-sun exposed areas such as the soles, palms, nail regions, and mucous membranes.
- Melanoma can occur in kids accounting for up to 3% of pediatric cancers.
Skin cancer can affect anyone and everyone. Dr. Hayag recommends yearly total body skin examinations and more frequent visits for those with a history of skin cancers. With early intervention, skin cancers are generally curable so it’s vital to keep up with skin cancer screenings and schedule an appointment to have suspicious growths tested. More information regarding skin cancers can be found at www.skincancer.org.