Office of Air and Radiation (6205J) EPA-430-F-10-017 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 Colorado and the United States as a whole.
just the facts: Skin Cancer in Colorado
• Sunburns. A 2004 survey found that 45.1 % of white adults in Colorado 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. Melanoma—responsible for 75% of all skin cancer
deaths—is the 5th most commonly diagnosed cancer in Colorado.9 The annual rate
of new melanoma diagnoses in Colorado was 15% higher than the national average
from 2002-2006 and was the 13th highest in the U.S.10'11
• An estimated 1,260 state residents were diagnosed with melanoma in 2009.2
• Pitkin County has the highest rate of new melanoma diagnoses in the state and
ranks among the highest 1 % of counties nationwide.10
• Deaths from Melanoma. About 117 people in Colorado die of melanoma every
year.12 The annual death rate has risen about 1 % per year among residents over
the age of 50 from 1975 to 2006.12
1 42 All references can be found on the SunWise Web site at: www.epa.gov/sunwise/statefacts.html
survivor story: Ken White
In 2003, my wife noticed a change in the outline and color of a mole on my back,
but unfortunately I waited six months to see a doctor. After the biopsies, the
conclusion was Stage II melanoma. When I sought a second opinion, they found
that the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes: my melanoma was at Stage III.
I was out of work for six months while I went through several rounds of
chemotherapy. When the cancer recurred two years later, I underwent radiation therapy that
damaged my right lung. I came down with pneumonia and was weak for a longtime, but I've been
cancer-free ever since.
My diagnosis changed my life. I've worked to raise awareness about skin cancer; last year, my
daughter and I traveled the world so that she could become the youngest person to ski on all seven
continents, raising funds along the way for melanoma research. I've also completely changed my
sun protective behavior. Now I always wear sunscreen, UV-protective clothing, and wide-brimmed
hats to protect my skin.
Ken White and his daughter Victoria run the Web site www.mountainsformelanoma.com.
Annual Rate of New
Melanoma Diagnoses,
2002-2006"
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages
Melanoma Diagnoses per Year
per 100,000 People
12.1-19.4 Q 19.5-26.8 fj 26.9-34.2 | 34.3-41.5
Data Not Available
Melanoma Death Rates,
2002-2006"
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages
Melanoma Deaths per Year
per 100,000 People
Ql.7-2.1 Q2.2-2.6 f2.7-3A | 3.2-3.5
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.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.17
• 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).18
• For people born in 2006,1 in 53 will be diagnosed
with melanoma13—nearly 30 times the rate for
people born in 1930.'
National Annual Rate of New Melanoma Diagnoses, 2002-200616
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages, Age-adjusted Rates
Melanoma Diagnoses per Year per 100,000 People
Q 10.3-15.8 Q15.9-17.5 • 17.6-19.4 • 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.6172024
Taking simple steps as early in life as possible can reduce one's risk.2"4'25'26
• Early detection of melanoma can save one's life.27"33 Skin examinations
may be the best way to detect skin cancer early.2'34~38
• 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.39 40
• Student self-reported data41—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.42
• 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.42
1~42 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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