Skin Care Facts
Did you know?
- Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. One million new cases are diagnosed every year. Of those diagnosed, 10,710 will die
- Skin cancer accounts for more than 50% of all cancers combined, including breast, lung, and prostate cancer
- One person dies from skin cancer every 67 minutes
- The two most common types of skin cancer—Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas—are highly curable
- Melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more dangerous and more likely to be fatal, especially among young people
- Individuals with dark skin pigmentation do not contract melanoma as easily as those with fair skin, but once contracted, dark skinned people have a lower long-term survival rate
- Approximately, 90% of melanomas are caused by over exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light or sunlight, other from the sun or tanning beds
- The total direct cost of skin cancer exceeds $290 million each year
- When diagnosed early, skin cancer has a 96% cure rate
Risk Factors
People with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop skin cancer. Risk factors vary for different types of skin cancer, but some general risk factors include:
- Lighter natural skin color
- Family history of skin cancer
- Personal history of skin cancer
- Exposure to the sun through work and play
- A history of sunburns early in life
- Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun
- Blue or green eyes
- Blond or red hair
- Certain types and a large number of moles
Our Mission
To create public awareness of the dangers of excessive exposure to the sun and educate people about preventive safety measures to avoid or lessen the chances of developing melanoma
or one of the other preventable skin cancers.
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