Skin Cancer Facts Most of the more than 1 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed yearly in the United States are considered to be sun-related. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, will account for about 59,940 cases of skin cancer in 2007 and most (about 8,110) of the 10,850 deaths due to skin cancer each year. For localized melanoma, the 5-year survival rate is 99%; survival rates for regional and distant stage diseases are 65% and 15%, respectively. About 80% of melanomas are diagnosed at a localized stage. How many people are affected by skin cancer? Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. It accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States. More than 1 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are found in this country each year. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 59,940 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the United States during 2007. Who survives skin cancer? For basal cell or squamous cell cancers, a cure is highly likely if detected and treated early. Melanoma, even though it can spread to other body parts quickly, is also highly curable if detected early and treated properly. The 5-year relative survival rate for patients with melanoma is 91%. For localized melanoma, the 5-year survival rate is 99%; survival rates for regional and distant stage diseases are 65% and 15% respectively. About 80% of melanomas are diagnosed at a localized stage. How many people will die from skin cancer? The American Cancer Society estimates there will be about 10,850 deaths from skin cancer in 2007 – 8,110 from melanoma and 2,740 from other skin cancers. What are the risk factors for skin cancer? Risk factors for non melanoma and melanoma skin cancers include: * unprotected and/or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation * fair complexion * occupational exposures to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds, or radium * family history * multiple or atypical moles * severe sunburns as a child What are the signs and symptoms of skin cancer? Skin cancer can be found early, and both doctors and patients play important roles in finding skin cancer. If you have any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor. * any change on the skin, especially in the size or color of a mole or other darkly pigmented growth or spot, or a new growth * scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or change in the appearance of a bump or nodule * the spread of pigmentation beyond its border such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark * a change in sensation, itchiness, tenderness, or pain Can skin cancer be prevented? The best ways to lower the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer are to avoid intense sunlight for long periods of time and to practice sun safety. You can continue to exercise and enjoy the outdoors while practicing sun safety at the same time. Here are some ways you can do this: * Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. * Seek shade: Look for shade, especially in the middle of the day when the sun's rays are strongest. Practice the shadow rule and teach it to children. If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are at their strongest. * Slip on a shirt: Cover up with protective clothing to guard as much skin as possible when you are out in the sun. Choose comfortable clothes made of tightly woven fabrics that you cannot see through when held up to a light. * Slop on sunscreen: Use sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen (about a palmful) and reapply after swimming, toweling dry, or perspiring. Use sunscreen even on hazy or overcast days. * Slap on a hat: Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck. If you choose a baseball cap, remember to protect your ears and neck with sunscreen. * Wrap on sunglasses: Wear sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin. * Follow these practices to protect your skin even on cloudy or overcast days. UV rays travel through clouds. * Avoid other sources of UV light. Tanning beds and sun lamps are dangerous because they can damage your skin.