Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States — and it’s more common than most people realize. While many use as much skin cancer prevention as they can, about one in five Americans will still develop skin cancer at some point in their lives. Every day, around 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with some form of it.
Over the past few decades, these numbers have risen dramatically, as have skin cancer cases in our dermatologists office in Monmouth. The rate of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has climbed by about 145%, while squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has increased by 263% since the 1980s. Interestingly, women have experienced a greater rise than men in both types of nonmelanoma skin cancer.
Melanoma by the Numbers
More than 1 million Americans are currently living with melanoma, one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer. In 2025, experts expect over 212,000 new cases in the U.S., about half invasive and half noninvasive. Melanoma is projected to become the fifth most common cancer among both men and women.
Melanoma rates have doubled since the early 1980s and rose another 31% between 2011 and 2019. However, trends differ depending on age and gender. For women under 50, rates have stabilized, while women over 50 continue to see an increase of about 3% each year. For men under 50, rates have slightly declined, and for older men, they’ve remained steady.
Younger women tend to have higher melanoma rates than men the same age, but after 50, men are at higher risk — likely because of greater lifetime sun exposure and different sun protection habits.
Survival and Mortality
The good news: when skin cancer is found early, it’s highly treatable. The five-year survival rate for melanoma caught before it spreads is 99%. If it reaches nearby lymph nodes, that drops to 75%, and if it spreads to distant organs, the rate falls to 35%.
Most deaths from skin cancer are due to melanoma. Nearly 20 Americans die from it every day, and in 2025, an estimated 8,430 deaths (5,470 men and 2,960 women) are expected. However, there’s hope — melanoma death rates declined by almost 4% between 2014 and 2022, thanks to improved awareness, earlier detection, and better treatments.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Mohs surgery is one of the most effective treatments for skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the two most common types. Its precision, high cure rate, and ability to preserve healthy tissue make its cure rates up to 99% for new skin cancers and 94% for recurring ones—higher than most other other skin cancer treatments.
What makes Mohs surgery the go-to treatment
In Mohs surgery, cancerous tissue is removed layer by layer and examined under a microscope to ensure all cancer cells are gone. This meticulous process greatly reduces the chance of recurrence. Conserving healthy tissues with Mohs surgery helps protect lips, nose, eyelids, and other facial features. By removing only tissue containing cancer cells, Mohs minimizes scarring and helps maintain the treated area’s natural look and function. Learn more about what to expect with Mohs surgery.
What Raises Your Risk
The biggest risk factor for all skin cancers is ultraviolet (UV) radiation, whether from the sun or tanning beds. Most melanoma cases are directly linked to UV exposure, and consistent sunscreen use can lower the risk.
Men have slightly higher melanoma rates than women, partly because they tend to use less sun protection and are less likely to check their own skin or visit a dermatologist. Childhood and teenage sunburns are also major risk factors — having five or more blistering sunburns between ages 15 and 20 can increase melanoma risk by 80%.
Tanning beds are another danger. Women under 30 who tan indoors are six times more likely to develop melanoma, and the younger a person starts tanning, the higher the lifetime risk.
Other risk factors include:
- Fair or freckled skin that burns easily
- Blonde or red hair
- A history of excessive sun exposure or sunburns
- A weakened immune system
- Many or atypical moles
- A personal or family history of skin cancer
- People who have already had melanoma face about eight times the normal risk of developing another one.
Protecting Your Skin
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to limit UV exposure. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends, for example, avoiding indoor tanning beds entirely.
In the sun, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin. Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Seek shade between 10 am-2 pm.
Most adults need about one ounce of sunscreen (enough to fill a shot glass) to cover their body and about one teaspoon for the face. Reapply every two hours, or sooner if you’re swimming or sweating. Choosing clothing labeled with a Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) can add even more defense.
And remember — protecting kids from sunburn is especially important. Severe sunburns in childhood greatly increase the risk of melanoma later in life.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Knowing what to look for can make all the difference. Warning signs of skin cancer include:
- A mole that changes in size, shape, or color
- A new growth that looks different from your other spots
- A sore that doesn’t heal
- A mole that itches, bleeds, or crusts over
If you notice anything new or changing on your skin, schedule a skin exam with a board-certified dermatologist. About 70–80% of melanomas develop on normal skin, not in existing moles, which is why regular self-checks are so important.
Roughly half of all melanomas are found by patients themselves. Doing a quick head-to-toe check once a month can save your life. If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, your dermatologist can help you determine how often you should come in for professional skin exams based on your risk factors, skin type, and sun exposure history.
Skin cancer is common, but it’s also one of the most preventable cancers. Protect your skin, know your risk, and pay attention to any changes. A few smart habits — sunscreen, shade, and regular skin checks — can make all the difference for lifelong skin health.