Office of Air and Radiation (6205J) EPA-430-F-10-030 March2011
Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the
United States.1"4 This fact sheet presents statistics about skin
cancer for Minnesota and the United States as a whole.
just the facts: Skin Cancer in Minnesota
• Sunburns. A 2004 survey found that 48.7% of white adults in Minnesota had at
least one sunburn in the pastyear—an increase from 40% in 1999.5 Sunburns are a
significant risk factor for the development of skin cancer.6'8
• New Cases of Melanoma. An average of 1,054 state residents were diagnosed
with melanoma each year from 2003-2007.9 Melanoma is responsible for about
75% of all skin cancer deaths.2'10
• The rate of new melanoma diagnoses is rising faster than that of any other
cancer type in Minnesota. The rate of new melanoma diagnoses rose on
average by more than 7% per year between 2003 and 2007.9
• Deaths from Melanoma. About 120 people in Minnesota die of melanoma
every year.11
• Since 1975, the melanoma death rate has risen by an average of about
1.2% per year among state residents age 50 and over.11
Annual Rate of New
Melanoma Diagnoses,
2003-20079
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages
Melanoma Diagnoses per Year
per 100,000 People
Q 14.5-15.9 Ql6.0-17.4 Ql7.5-18.9 119.0-20.3
• 20.4-30.6
1 m All references can be found on the SunWise Web site at: www.epa.gov/sunwise/statefacts.html
survivor story: Jennifer Wunderlich
I saw my doctor about an abnormal mole after a friend grew concerned. The mole
was removed but lost before being tested. My doctor said I was fine, even when the
mole came back and began to itch and bleed. Two years passed. While pregnant
with my first child, I showed the changing spot to a dermatologist I worked for; she
sent me for a biopsythatweek. I was shocked and scared to learn I had melanoma.
Further testing was postponed since I was pregnant, but after my child was born, tests showed the
cancer had spread. After a full right groin lymphectomy and year-long follow up care, I'm still cancer-
free almost 9 years later!
Growing up, I spent a lot of time outdoors in the sun and went to tanning beds a few times in my
twenties. Since my diagnosis, I apply sunscreen prior to going outside and seek shade when I can. I tell
my family, especially my kids, about the importance of sun safety, and encourage everyone to seek out a
dermatologist for any skin concerns.
Jennifer Wunderlich, a Lakeville, MN resident, was 32 years old when diagnosed with Stage III melanoma.
Melanoma Death Rates,
2003-2007"
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages
Melanoma Deaths per Year
per 100,000 People
1.7-2.0 n 2.1-2.4 n 2.5-2.8 • 2.9-3.1
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, 2003-20079
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages, Age-adjusted Rates
•>S AK
Melanoma Diagnoses per Year per 100,000 People
Ds.3-15.9 Dl6.0-".8 D"-9-19.7 D 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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