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Control and Prevention Division of Cancer Prevention and Control 4770 Buford Hwy, NE MS K-64 Atlanta, GA 30341-3717 Call: 1 (800) CDC-INFO TTY: 1 (888) 232-6348 FAX: (770) 488-4760 E-mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov Submit a Question Online |
Basic InformationDownload the 2006/2007 Skin Cancer Prevention and Education Initiative Fact Sheet (PDF-207KB). Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types of skin cancer—basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas—are highly curable. However, melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more dangerous, especially among young people.2 Approximately, 65%–90% of melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light or sunlight.2 The following statistics refer to new cases of—and deaths from—melanomas of the skin and other non-epithelial skin cancers. These statistics do not include data for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, which are not tracked by the United States Cancer Statistics registries. In 2004,*
*The most recent year for which statistics are currently available. Incidence counts cover approximately 98% of the U.S. population. Death counts cover 100% of the U.S. population. Use caution in comparing incidence and death counts. Risk FactorsPeople with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop skin cancer. Risk factors vary for different types of skin cancer, but some general risk factors include2 3 4
Risk ReductionThe best way for a person to prevent skin cancer is to protect him or herself from the sun.2 4 When used consistently, sun-protective practices can reduce a person's risk of developing skin cancer. CDC recommends five easy options for sun protection:2 4
For more information on how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from skin cancer, please visit Protect Yourself from the Sun. Early DetectionThe U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has concluded that there is not enough evidence to recommend for or against routine screening (total-body examination by a clinician) to detect skin cancers early. However, USPSTF does recommend 1) that clinicians be aware that fair-skinned men and women aged 65 and older, and people with atypical moles or more than 50 moles, are at greater risk for developing melanoma and 2) that clinicians remain alert for skin abnormalities when conducting physical examinations for other purposes.5 Epidemiologic data suggest that skin cancers can be prevented if children, adolescents, and adults are protected from UV radiation.2 4 References
Please note: Some of these publications are available for download only as *.pdf files. These files require Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to be viewed. Please review the information on downloading and using Acrobat Reader software.
Page last reviewed: June 25, 2007
Page last updated: June 25, 2007 Content source: Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion |
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