Office of Air and Radiation (6205J) EPA-430-F-10-032 March2011
Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the
United States.1"4 This fact sheet presents statistics about skin
cancer for Nevada and the United States as a whole.
just the facts: Skin Cancer in Nevada
• Sunburns. A 2004 survey found that 38.3% of white adults in Nevada 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 480 state residents were diagnosed with
melanoma in 2009. Melanoma is responsible for about 75% of all skin cancer deaths.2'9
• Humboldt County has the highest rate of new melanoma diagnoses in Nevada, a
rate that also exceeds the national average.10
• Deaths from Melanoma. About 68 people in Nevada die of melanoma every year.11
• The melanoma death rate among Nevada residents is higher than the
national average.11
• The melanoma death rate is nearly three times higher among Nevadan men
than women.11
Annual Rate of New
Melanoma Diagnoses,
2002-200610
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages
Melanoma Diagnoses per Year
per 100,000 People
Q 11.9-13.7 Q13.8-15.6 Q15.7-17.5 117.6-19.4
n Data Not Available
1 41 All references can be found on the SunWise Web site at: www.epa.gov/sunwise/statefacts.html
survivor story: Stacey Escalante
"You better get that checked." Despite my family's concern, I waited six
months before having a doctor checkthe small, red spot on my back. We never
thought it was skin cancer. My whole life stopped when I was diagnosed with
Stage III melanoma.
I couldn't care for my kids while undergoing two surgeries during two years of
treatment. I had to make time for cancer. Five years later and still cancer-free, I realize how ignorant
I'd been about skin cancer. I wastanorexic before my diagnosis, sun-baking with baby oil as a teen
and using tanning beds as an adult. I thought since I tanned well I was safe—how wrong I was.
Now, I enjoy the sun underneath an umbrella or palapa with sunscreen and floppy hats, and
make sure to cover up when running marathons. I publicize my story hoping others learn from my
mistakes, especially moms who too often put themselves last. Cover up, wear sunscreen, hats and
sunglasses, and get your skin checked regularly!
Stacey Escalante lives in Las Vegas, NV with her family where she works to raise melanoma awareness.
Melanoma Death Rates,
2003-2007"
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages
Melanoma Deaths per Year
per 100,000 People
n 2.6-2.7 n 2.8-2.9 H 3.0-3.1 Q 3.2-3.4
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.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 2009,1 in 58 will be diagnosed
with invasive melanoma17—more than 25 times the
rate for people born in 1935.18
National Annual Rate of New Melanoma Diagnoses, 2002-200614
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.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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