Office of Air and Radiation (6205J) EPA-430-F-10-019 May 2010
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SOUTH CAROLINA
Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the
United States.1"4 This fact sheet presents statistics about skin
cancer for South Carolina and the United States as a whole.
just the facts: Skin Cancer in South Carolina
• Sunburns on the Rise. A 2004 survey found that 41.6% of white adults in South
Carolina had at least one sunburn in the pastyear—an increase from 33% 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 17% higher in South Carolina than the national
average from 2002-2006 and was the 12th highest in the U.S.9'10 An estimated 1,090
state residents were diagnosed with melanoma in 2009.2
• Among whites—who are at the highest risk for melanoma—South Carolina had
the 4th highest rate of new melanoma diagnoses in the U.S. from 2002-2006.9
• Beaufort County has the highest rate of new melanoma diagnoses in the state
and ranks among the highest 4% of counties nationwide.9
• Deaths from Melanoma. About 110 people in South Carolina die of melanoma every
year.11 The melanoma death rate has increased about 1 % per year among state
residents over the age of 50 since 1975.11
• York County has the highest melanoma death rate in the state, 37% higher than
the national average.11
1~41 All references can be found on the SunWise Web site at: www.epa.gov/sunwise/statefacts.html
survivor story: Sally Hogg
In the summer of 2004,1 received the shocking news that I had Stage III melanoma.
I couldn't believe it; I felt numb. The melanoma had spread from a spot on my
upper right arm to the lymph nodes on the underside of my arm. There was also a
three inch tumor in my right breast. I underwent a radical mastectomy to remove
my entire breast and the lymph nodes, and also had the spot on my arm surgically
excised. I have been cancer-free now for over five years.
Growing up I spent a lot of time in tanning beds and outside in the sun. But since my diagnosis,
I've been careful to limit my time in the sun, especially in the summer. When I do spend more time
outdoors, I make sure I'm well covered with a hat and long sleeves.
I also visit my oncologist regularly for check-ups. I'm always afraid "it" will be back, but am so
thankful to be reaching my five year mark. Melanoma is treatable if it's caught early enough, so
I encourage my friends and family to see a doctor if they discover any odd skin changes, and I
constantly remind people of the dangers of tanning beds and overexposureto the sun.
Sally Hogg, a Manning, South Carolina resident, was 60 years old when she was diagnosed with Stage III melanoma.
Annual Rate of New
Melanoma Diagnoses,
2002-2006*
All Races, Both Sexes, All Ages
Melanoma Diagnoses per Year
per 100,000 People
Q 10.4-15.8 Q 15.9-21.4 fj 21.5-26.9 | 27.0-32.4
Q| 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.13'14
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 2006,1 in 53 will be diagnosed
with melanoma17—nearly 30 times the rate for
people born in 1930.18
National Annual Rate of New Melanoma Diagnoses, 2002-200612
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.6151923
Taking simple steps as early in life as possible can reduce one's risk.2A24"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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