The Burden of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The three major types of skin cancer are the highly curable basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas and the more serious malignant melanoma. The American Cancer Society estimates that a combined total of about 1 million new cases of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas and an additional 47,700 new cases of malignant melanoma will be diagnosed in 2000. In 2000 alone, skin cancer will claim the lives of almost 9,600 people.

Although death rates from basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are low, these cancers can cause considerable damage and disfigurement if they are left untreated. However, when detected and treated early, more than 95% of these carcinomas can be cured.

Malignant melanoma, the most rapidly increasing form of cancer in the United States, causes more than 75% of all deaths from skin cancer. This disease can spread to other organs, most commonly the lungs and liver. Malignant melanoma diagnosed at an early stage can usually be cured, but melanoma diagnosed at a late stage is more likely to spread and cause death.

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