Office of Air and Radiation (6205J) EPA-430-F-10-020 July 2010
Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the
United States.1"4 This fact sheet presents statistics about skin
cancer for Florida and the United States as a whole.
just the facts: Skin Cancer in Florida
• Sunburns. A 2004 survey found that 37.7% of white adults in Florida had at least
one sunburn in the pastyear.5 Sunburns are a significant risk factor for the
development of skin cancer.6'8
• New Cases of Melanoma. An estimated 4,920 state residents were diagnosed with
melanoma in 2009.2 Melanoma is responsible for about 75% of all skin cancer deaths.9'10
• Since 1981, the rate of new melanoma diagnoses among white males has increased
by 74% and by 43% among white females. However, the percentage of advanced-
stage melanoma increased for white females and decreased for white males.11'12
• Jefferson County has the 7th highest rate of melanoma diagnoses among all
counties nationwide—135% above the national average from 2002-2006.9
• Deaths from Melanoma. About 626 people in Florida die of melanoma every
year.13 Since 1975, the death rate among residents over the age of 50 in Florida
has almost doubled.13
• St. Johns County had the highest melanoma death rate in the state—
96% higher than the national average from 2002-2006.13
1~43 All references can be found on the SunWise Web site at: www.epa.gov/sunwise/statefacts.html
survivor story: Cindy Dick
In 2003, my back started itching a lot. I ignored it at first, but after talking with
a co-worker about his wife's treatment for melanoma, I realized I should see a
dermatologist. Soon after visiting my doctor, I got the shocking results: I had Clark
level IV melanoma, which meant the cancer had spread into a deep layer of my skin.
The sentinel node biopsy had found two positive lymph nodes, one under each arm.
To treat the melanoma, I had two separate surgeries. Next, I spent a month on IVinterferon daily
followed by self-injections 3 times weekly for a year. The treatment made me fatigued, feverish, and
achy, but fortunately it was successful. I underwent interferon therapy at the same time as a 23-year-old
man also diagnosed with melanoma. Sadly, he died 4 years after we met.
Since my diagnosis, I've tried to spread the word about skin cancer prevention. The damage to my skin
happened while playing outdoor sports during my teens and twenties. I still spend time outdoors with my
son but we always apply plenty of sunscreen. Asa Fire Chief, I often have the opportunity to speak to the
public, and I like to tell people: you don't have to burn, but you don't have to be a recluse either!
Cindy Dick, the Tallahassee, Florida, Fire Chief, was diagnosed with skin cancer at the age of 37.
Annual Rate of New
Melanoma Diagnoses,
2002-2006*
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages
Melanoma Diagnoses per Year
per 100,000 People
fj 9.6-17.6 fj 17.7-25.8 fj 26.9-34.0 | 34.1-42.1
n Data Not Available
Melanoma Death Rates,
2002-200613
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages
Melanoma Deaths per Year
per 100,000 People
0 1.6-2.4 0 2.5-3.4 Q 3.5-4.4 | 4.5-5.3
n Data Not Available
Recycled/Recyclable—Printed with vegetable oil-based inks on processed chlorine-free 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 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.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 2006,1 in 53 will be diagnosed
with melanoma18—nearly 30 times the rate for
people born in 1930.'
National Annual Rate of New Melanoma Diagnoses, 2002-200620
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages, Age-adjusted Rates
VAK\
' *^1 /&~**&±
Melanoma Diagnoses per Year per 100,000 People
D 10.3-15.8 D15-9-17.5 D™-19.* • 195-22.0 • 22.1-30.1
D 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.6162125
Taking simple steps as early in life as possible can reduce one's risk.2"4'26'27
• Early detection of melanoma can save one's life.28 34 Skin examinations
may be the best way to detect skin cancer early.2'35"39
• 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.40 41
• Student self-reported data42—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.43
• 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.43
1~43 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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