Office of Air and Radiation (6205J) EPA-430-F-09-064 May 2009
survivor story:
Shonda Schilling
In summer 1999, my family
noticed a mole on my back
that "didn't look right." I put
off getting it checked—partly
because I didn't see it as
a priority, and I enjoyed
tanning. I finally saw a dermatologist in 2001.
Just 36 hours after my appointment, I received
a phone call that changed my life: I had Stage 2
malignant melanoma.
I knew something might be wrong since the
mole would often burn or itch, but the news I
had cancer was a shock. The doctors needed
to see if it had spread. The result: I had a 6-inch
section of my back removed immediately and
had five more surgeries overthe nextyearto
remove two more Stage 2 melanomas and four
in situ melanomas from my back, chest, legs,
and arms. My scars are a constant reminder of
the need to be SunWise.
Take it from me: If you spend time in the sun,
checkyour skin for changes regularly or have
your family help. If something doesn't look
right—tell your doctor immediately!
After her diagnosis of melanoma, Shonda Schilling
established the SHADE Foundation of America in 2002 to
educate the public about skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed
in the United States.1"4 This fact sheet presents
statistics about skin cancer for Massachusetts and the
United States as a whole.
small state: Big Problem
• Sunburns on the Rise. A 2004 survey found that 43% of white adults
in Massachusetts had at least one sunburn in the past year—an
increase from 35% in 1999.5 Sunburns are a significant risk factor for
the development of skin cancer.6'8
• New Cases of Melanoma. The rate of new melanoma diagnoses—
responsible for 75% of all skin cancer deaths—was 26% higher in
Massachusetts than the national average and was the 9th highest in
the U.S. from 2001-2005.9'10 An estimated 2,000 state residents were
diagnosed with melanoma in 2008.2
• Nantucket County has one of the top 5 rates of new melanoma
diagnoses among counties nationwide, 146% above the
national average.11
• Deaths from Melanoma. More than 250 people in Massachusetts die of
melanoma every year.9 Massachusetts had the 15th highest melanoma
death rate nationally from 2001-2005—7% higher than the U.S. average.12
• Hampshire County has the highest melanoma death rate in the
state, 63% higher than the national average.9
40 All references can be found on the SunWise Web site at: www.epa.gov/sunwise/statefacts.html
Melanoma Death Rates, 2001-20059
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages
Annual Rate of New Melanoma Diagnoses, 2001-20059
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages
Melanoma Deaths per Year per 100,000 People
Melanoma Diagnoses per Year per 100,000 People
15.4-22.2 Q22.3-29.2 1^29.3-36.1 Q36.2-43.0
Suppressed Data
Recycled/Recyclable—Printed with vegetable oil-based inks on paper that contains at least 50% post-consumer fiber.
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The Cost of Skin Cancer
In the U.S., medical costs to treat
skin cancer are estimated at almost
$2 billion annually.13'14
statistics: Cause for Concern
• In 2008, more than 1 million people were diagnosed
with skin cancer, making it the most common of all
cancers.1"4 More people were diagnosed with skin
cancer in 2008 than with breast, prostate, lung, and
colon cancer combined.2 About 1 in 5 Americans
will develop skin cancer during their lifetime.16
• One American dies of melanoma almost every hour.2
• Melanoma is the second most common form of
cancer for adolescents and young adults (15-29
years old).17
• For people born in 2005,1 in 55 will be diagnosed
with melanoma12— nearly 30 times the rate for
people born in 1930.18
National Annual Rate of New Melanoma Diagnoses, 2001-2005"
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages, Age-adjusted Rates
Melanoma Diagnoses per Year per 100,000 Peopl
* Please note that delays in reporting melanoma cases to cancer registries are more common since they are usually
diagnosed and treated in non-hospital settings such as physician offices. States are grouped into quintiles based
on rates of melanoma diagnoses. A quintile is a statistical "block" representing 20% of a total. Because data
are available for only 45 states and D.C., four quintiles include nine states, and one includes 10. For example,
the ten states with the highest melanoma rates—21.8 to 28.6 diagnoses per 100,000 residents every year—are
in the top quintile.
what works:
An Ounce of Prevention
• Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet light is the most preventable
risk factor for skin cancer.6'16'19'22 Taking simple steps as early in life
as possible can reduce one's risk.2A23~24
• Early detection of melanoma can save one's life.25 31 Skin
examinations may be the best way to detect skin cancer early.2'32'36
• The CDC found evidence that education and policy approaches
in primary schools (for children) and in recreational or tourism
settings (for adults) can improve sun safety behaviors.37 38
• Student self-reported data39—collected as part of the U.S. EPA's
SunWise Program—showed that teachers using the SunWise Tool
Kit for 1-2 hours yearly can spur increases in students' sun safety
knowledge and attitudes and small to modest improvements in
short-term sun safety behaviors.40
• Using the data mentioned above, published modeling results
show SunWise teaching between 1999 and 2015 could prevent
more than 50 premature deaths and 11,000 future cases of skin
cancer, saving the country more than $30 million in medical costs
and productivity losses.40
1~40 All references can be found on the SunWise Web site at: www.epa.gov/sunwise/statefacts.html
skin cancer prevention:
Action Steps
• Do Not Burn. Overexposure to the sun is the
most preventable risk factor for skin cancer.
• Avoid Sun Tanning and Tanning Beds.
UV light from tanning beds and the sun
causes skin cancer and wrinkling.
• Use Sunscreen. Generously apply a broad
spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or
higher. Reapply at least every two hours, and
after swimming or sweating.
• Cover Up. Wear protective clothing, such as
a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed
hat, and sunglasses with 99-100% UVA/UVB
protection, when possible.
• Seek Shade. Seek shade when the sun's
UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m.
and 4 p.m.
• Watch for the UV Index. Pay attention to the
UV Index when planning outdoor activities to
prevent overexposure to the sun.
www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin
www.epa.gov/sunwise
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