Office of Air and Radiation (6205J) EPA-430-F-09-069 May 2009
Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the
United States.1"4 This fact sheet presents statistics about skin
cancer for Vermont and the United States as a whole.
small state: Big Problem
• Sunburns on the Rise. A 2004 survey found that 47.1 % of white adults in Vermont had
at least one sunburn in the pastyear—an increase from 39.1% in 1999.5 Sunburns are
a significant risk factor for the development of skin cancer.6'8
• New Cases of Melanoma. Vermont had the highest rate of new melanoma
diagnoses in the U.S. from 2001-2005,63% higher than the national average.9'10 In
2008, an estimated 180 state residents were diagnosed with melanoma, which is
responsible for 75% of all skin cancer deaths.2
• Bennington County has the highest rate of melanoma diagnoses among
counties nationwide,11179% above the national average.9
• Deaths from Melanoma. More than 25 people in Vermont die of melanoma
every year.12 Vermont had the 13th highest melanoma death rate nationally from
2001 -2005—11.1 % higher than the U.S. average.13
Melanoma Death Rates,
2001-200512
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages
Melanoma Deaths per Year
per 100,000 People
2.2-2.3 FJ 2.4-2.6 | 2.7-2.9 | 3.0-3.2
1 All references can be found on the SunWise Web site at: www.epa.gov/sunwise/statefacts.html
survivor story: Marcelle Leahy
Growing up, I was always in the sun and sunburned. All that sun finally caught up
to me in 2003 when my new dermatologist decided to biopsy a discolored spot on
my face. I'd had it for years, but something about it didn't feel right. The result: a
large melanoma in situ.
The first two operations to remove it weren't successful, leaving my face disfigured
and still with cancer. Mohs surgery was scheduled with a different doctor to remove the rest. After six
excisions during the Mohs, an area of skin the size of my palm was removed, and I was finally cancer-
free. I learned to be an advocate for my own health, and to keep asking questions. I've had at least six
nonmelanoma skin cancers removed since, and am always on the lookout for any skin changes.
My advice: we know how to prevent and detect skin cancer, so share your knowledge with your
loved ones. I'll never know which sunburn gave me cancer, but I'll certainly do all I canto protect
my grandchildren from getting one.
Marcelle Leahy likes to make time for cancer prevention, education, and research programs. She is married to
Senator Patrick Leahy; they have 3 children and 5 grandchildren.
Annual Rate of New
Melanoma Diagnoses,
2001-20059
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages
Melanoma Diagnoses per Year
per 100,000 People
O 18.3-25.8 O 25.9-33.5 Q 33.6-41.2 |
[2 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.14'15
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.17
• 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).18
• For people born in 2005,1 in 55 will be diagnosed
with melanoma13— nearly 30 times the rate for
people born in 1930.'
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.6'17'20'23 Taking simple steps as early in life
as possible can reduce one's risk.2A24~25
• Early detection of melanoma can save one's life.26 32 Skin
examinations may be the best way to detect skin cancer early.2'33'37
• 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.38 39
• Student self-reported data40—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.41
• 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.41
1~41 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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