Office of Air and Radiation (6205J) EPA-430-F-10-035 January 2011
NEW I
4
Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the
United States.1"4 This fact sheet presents statistics about skin
cancer for New Mexico and the United States as a whole.
just the facts: Skin Cancer in New Mexico
• Sunburns. A 2004 survey found that 41.3% of white adults in New Mexico 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 460 state residents were diagnosed with
melanoma in 2009.2 Melanoma is responsible for about 75% of all skin cancer deaths.2'9
• The rate of new melanoma diagnoses has more than doubled in New Mexico
between 1975 and 2007.10
• Los Alamos County has the highest rate of new melanoma diagnoses in the
state—higher than 95% of counties nationwide.10
• Deaths from Melanoma. About 52 people in New Mexico die of melanoma
every year.11
• The melanoma death rate in Sandoval County is about40% higherthan the
national and statewide average.11
• The melanoma death rate among white residents of New Mexico is 24% higher
than the national average for this group.11
• The melanoma death rate among women in New Mexico is about 18% higher
than the national average for this group.11
1~40 All references can be found on the SunWise Web site at: www.epa.gov/sunwise/statefacts.html
survivor story: John F. Klein-Robbenhaar
I was diagnosed with Clark's Level I Melanoma when I was just 29 years old. The
malignant mole was first identified by my physician during a routine visit. Although I
had never thought to examine my skin before, I suggested my doctor perform a skin
check because my cousin died of skin cancer ten years earlier. When my doctor
called with the test results, I was in disbelief.
Fortunately, I only had to undergo one surgery to remove the melanoma from my thigh. Since then, I
have had over a dozen suspicious moles removed, all with negative results.
Growing up in Connecticut, I lathered on baby oil at the beach and worked on my tan. Now I try to
always wear a wide-brimmed hat, ample clothing, and sunscreen. By making simple changes in
my lifestyle and habits, I have been able to keep the melanoma from recurring for over a decade. In
addition to protecting myself, I have taught my children to treat the sun with respect. I've participated
in sun-safe activities at their elementary school, and have tried to spread the word about sun safety to
family and friends. Limit your sun exposure and keep a close watch on your skin!
John F. Klein-Robbenhaar, a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, has now been cancer-free for 13 years.
Annual Rate of New
Melanoma Diagnoses,
2003-200710
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages
Melanoma Diagnoses per Year
per 100,000 People
fj 10.0-15.0 Q15.1-20.2 Q20.3-25.4 125.5-30.5
O Data Not Available
Melanoma Death Rates,
2003-2007"
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages
\
Melanoma Deaths per Year
per 100,000 People
n 2.5-2.7 n 2.8-3.0 03-1-3-3 • 3.4-3.5
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.12'13
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.14
• 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).15
• For people born in 2009,1 in 58 will be diagnosed
with invasive melanoma16—more than 25 times the
rate for people born in 1935.17
National Annual Rate of New Melanoma Diagnoses, 2003-2007"
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages, Age-adjusted Rates
Melanoma Diagnoses per Year per 100,000 People
D8.3-15.9 ni6.0-17.8 D"-9-19.7 • 19.8-22.5 •22.6-30.6
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 setting 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 47 states and D.C., four quintiles include ten states, and one quintile includes eight. For example, the eight states
with the highest melanoma rates—22.6 to 30.6 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.6141822
Taking simple steps as early in life as possible can reduce one's risk.2"4'23'24
• 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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