Office of Air and Radiation (6205J)   EPA-430-F-10-018  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 Kansas and the United States as a whole.


just the facts:  Skin Cancer in Kansas

• Sunburns on the Rise. A 2004 survey found that 41.4% of white adults in Kansas
   had at least one sunburn in the pastyear—an increase from 34.2% in 1999.5
   Sunburns are a significant risk factor for the development of skin cancer.6'8

• New Cases of Melanoma. The rate of new melanoma diagnoses—responsible for
   75% of all skin cancer deaths—was 9% higher in Kansas than the national average
   from 2002-2006 and was the 18th highest in the U.S.9'10 An estimated 610 state
   residents were diagnosed with melanoma in 2009.2

   •  Among whites—who are at the highest risk for melanoma—Kansas had the
      26th highest melanoma incidence rate in the U.S. from 2002-2006.11

• Deaths from Melanoma. Approximately 80 people in Kansas die of melanoma every
   year.12 Since 1975, the melanoma death rate has risen about 2% per year among state
   residents over the age of 50.13

   •  Among state residents over the age of 50 the melanoma death rate was about
      twice as high for males as for females in 2006.13

1~42 All references can be found on the SunWise Web site at: www.epa.gov/sunwise/statefacts.html
survivor story:  Kristyn Gore


              In 2007, not long after I got married, I noticed a small, pimple-like cyst on my
              neck. I didn't think much of it at the time, but after family members expressed
              their concern, I made an appointment to have it checked out. In the meantime,
              I found out I was pregnant. I was thrilled, but the very next week I received
|	     devastating news: I had Stage IV metastatic melanoma.

My husband and I were determined to treat the cancer while continuing my pregnancy, so during
my second trimester, a surgeon removed the cyst and the lymph nodes in my neck and shoulder.
After my son was born, I began radiation and then chemotherapy. Two more surgeries later—
along with X-rays and PET scans every two months—the cancer cells were gone.

Now I always cover my skin and wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat when  I'm outside. My son
loves being outside, so I make sure he's safe from the sun too. Take it from me: if you notice skin
changes on yourself or a loved one, don't wait to get them checked out.

Kristyn Gore was 25 years old when she was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma.
Annual Rate of New
Melanoma Diagnoses,
2002-2006"
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages
 Melanoma Diagnoses per Year
 per 100,000 People
   12.5-14.4 fj] 14.5-16.4 fj] 16.5-18.4

 n Data Not Available
Melanoma Death Rates,
2002-2006"
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages
 Melanoma Deaths per Year
 per 100,000 People
     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.15'16
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 melanoma14— nearly 30 times the rate for
   people born in 1930.'
            National Annual Rate of New Melanoma Diagnoses, 2002-2006"
            All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages, Age-adjusted Rates
               VAK\
               ' *^1  /&~**&±
             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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