Office of Air and Radiation (6205J) EPA-430-F-09-066 May 2010
Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the
United States.1"4 This fact sheet presents statistics about skin
cancer for Oregon and the United States as a whole.
just the facts: Skin Cancer in Oregon
• Sunburns on the Rise. A 2004 survey found that 43.6% of white adults in Oregon
had at least one sunburn in the past year.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 36% higher in Oregon than the national
average from 2002-2006 and was the 4th highest in the U.S.9'10 An estimated 1,220
state residents were diagnosed with melanoma in 2009.2
• Douglas County has the highest rate of new melanoma diagnoses in the state
and ranks among the highest 2% of counties nationwide.9
• Deaths from Melanoma. About 120 people in Oregon die of melanoma every year.11
Oregon had the 8th highest melanoma death rate nationally from 2002-2006—
17% higher than the U.S. average.12
• Josephine County has the 5th highest melanoma death rate among counties
nationwide, 107% higher than the national average.11
1~41 All references can be found on the SunWise Web site at: www.epa.gov/sunwise/statefacts.html
survivor story: Pamela Clark
/' In spring 2006,1 noticed a suspicious mole on my thigh and pointed it out to my
J^ i dermatologist. He told me the mole was normal, but after a week of staring at it, I still
wasn't sure. I went back to my dermatologist and insisted the mole be removed. The
mole turned outto be melanoma, which disappointed but didn't surprise me since I'd
been diagnosed with cancer (Hodgkin's lymphoma) before. After the initial surgery, I
had a follow-up surgery and have been cancer-free for three years.
Asa serious surfer, I spend a lot of time in the sun, so it's especially important for me to cover up and
apply sunscreen often. Since my melanoma diagnosis, I am much more careful about protecting my
skin. I also encourage people to visit the dermatologist annually, but showing my gnarly scar seems
to leave the biggest impression on women my age.
After undergoing treatments for Hodgkin's lymphoma, I learned that it's possible my melanoma was
caused or enhanced by previous chemo and full-body radiation therapy. If you've received past
cancer treatments, talk:to your doctor about regular skin checks and the risks of sun exposure. It's
also important to be your own advocate—if something doesn't look right to you, get it checked out!
Pamela Clark, a resident of Portland, OR, was 35 years old when she was diagnosed with melanoma.
Annual Rate of New
Melanoma Diagnoses,
2002-20069
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages
Melanoma Diagnoses per Year
per 100,000 People
| 9.5-16.7 fj 16.8-24.1 fj 24.2-31.5 | 31.6-38.8
Oata Not Available
Melanoma Death Rates,
2002-2006"
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages
Melanoma Deaths per Year
per 100,000 People
Q 2.5-2.7 Q 2.8-3.0 f3A-3.3 | 3.4-3.5
© 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 2009, 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 2009 than with breast, prostate, lung, and
colon cancer combined.2 About 1 in 5 Americans
will develop skin cancer during their lifetime.15
• 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).16
• For people born in 2006,1 in 53 will be diagnosed
with melanoma12— nearly 30 times the rate for
people born in 1930.17
National Annual Rate of New Melanoma Diagnoses, 2002-200618
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages, Age-adjusted Rates
•>S AK
Melanoma Diagnoses per Year per 100,000 People
Q 10.3-15.8 Q15.9-17.5 Q 17.6-19.4 D 19.5-22.0 • 22.1-30.1
Data Not Available
* 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, each quintile includes nine states. For example, the nine states with the highest
melanoma rates—22.1 to 30.1 diagnoses per 100,000 residents every year—are in the top quintile.
what works:
An Ounce of Prevention
• Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet light—a known human
carcinogen—is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer.6151923
Taking simple steps as early in life as possible can reduce one's risk.2"4'24'25
• 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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