Skin Cancer & Melanoma Information

Content prepared for Sunsei - based on data from the American Cancer Society, American Academy of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Foundation, CDC, and other leading health authorities.

Sunsei Sunscreen is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the American Cancer Society, American Academy of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Foundation, CDC, or any other organization referenced here. This page provides general educational information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or physician with questions about your own skin health. Sunscreen use, including use of Sunsei products, reduces - but does not eliminate - the risk of skin cancer; no product can guarantee prevention.

Last reviewed: July 2026.

Skin Cancer and Risk
Is skin cancer really the most common cancer in the U.S.?

Yes - by a wide margin. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, representing a significant public health challenge that affects millions of Americans every year. Roughly 1 in 5 Americans will develop some form of skin cancer by age 70.

How many Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year?

The numbers are striking across all skin cancer types:

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Approximately 3.6 million cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, making it the single most frequently diagnosed malignancy in the country.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Approximately 1.8 million cases are diagnosed annually.
  • Melanoma: In 2026, an estimated 234,680 total new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed - including 122,680 noninvasive (in situ) cases and 112,000 invasive cases - a roughly 10.6% increase over 2025.
  • All types combined: Nearly 6 million people are treated for skin cancer in the U.S. each year.
How many people die from skin cancer each year?

Most skin cancer deaths are caused by melanoma. Nearly 20 Americans die from melanoma every day. In 2026, an estimated 8,510 deaths are attributed to melanoma - approximately 5,500 in men and 3,010 in women. Non-melanoma skin cancers (basal and squamous cell) are rarely fatal when caught early, with a survival rate exceeding 95%.

What is the economic burden of skin cancer?

Skin cancer places a significant financial burden on the healthcare system. Annual medical costs of treating skin cancer in the U.S. are estimated at $8.9 billion. A comprehensive national prevention program could avert an estimated 230,000 melanoma cases and save $2.7 billion in initial treatment costs between 2020 and 2030.

Are skin cancer rates rising or falling?

Melanoma rates have more than doubled since the early 1980s and rose another 31% between 2011 and 2019. Melanoma is projected to become the fifth most common cancer among both men and women in the coming years. The good news: melanoma death rates declined by nearly 4% between 2014 and 2022, thanks to improved awareness, earlier detection, and breakthrough treatments such as immunotherapy.

Types of Skin Cancer
Melanoma
What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a cancer that originates in melanocytes - the pigment-producing cells that give skin its color. While it accounts for only about 1% of all skin cancers, it is responsible for many skin cancer-related deaths due to its high potential to spread (metastasize) to lymph nodes and other organs.

How common is melanoma and who is at risk?

Melanoma is the least common but most dangerous skin cancer. More than 1 million Americans are currently living with melanoma. Rates differ by age and gender: women under 50 tend to have higher rates than men the same age, but after age 50, men face higher risk - likely due to greater lifetime sun exposure and different sun protection habits.

What are the warning signs of melanoma?

Dermatologists use the ABCDE rule to identify potentially dangerous moles or skin changes: Asymmetry (one half doesn't match the other), Border (irregular, ragged, or blurred edges), Color (uneven shades of brown, black, pink, red, white, or blue), Diameter (larger than a pencil eraser, about 6mm, though melanomas can be smaller), and Evolving (any change in size, shape, color, or a new symptom like bleeding).

Dermatologists also recommend watching for the "ugly duckling" sign - a mole or spot that simply looks different from your other moles. Trust your instincts: if something doesn't look or feel right, contact your provider promptly.

What are the survival rates for melanoma?

Early detection is lifesaving:

  • Localized (early stage): ~99% five-year survival rate
  • Regional spread (to nearby lymph nodes): ~74% five-year survival rate
  • Distant spread (to other organs): ~35% five-year survival rate - a figure that has doubled since 2009 due to advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapies
What treatments are available for melanoma?

Depending on stage, melanoma treatments include surgical excision, immunotherapy, targeted therapy (for tumors with specific gene mutations), radiation, and clinical trials. Immunotherapy has significantly improved outcomes for advanced melanoma over the past decade.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
What is basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer and the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in the United States, affecting nearly 1 in 5 Americans over a lifetime. It originates in the basal cells - the cells that line the deepest layer of the epidermis and continually push older cells toward the skin's surface.

Is BCC dangerous?

BCC is rarely fatal; however, it is a locally invasive tumor that can cause significant tissue destruction - particularly in cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas such as the face, ears, and around the eyes. While it almost never spreads to distant organs, delayed treatment can lead to ulceration, disfigurement, or recurrence.

What does BCC look like?
  • A pearly or waxy bump, sometimes with visible blood vessels
  • A flat, flesh-colored or scar-like lesion
  • A pink, scaly patch sometimes mistaken for eczema
  • A bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and recurs
What causes BCC?

The primary cause is cumulative ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Risk factors include fair skin, history of sunburns, prolonged sun exposure, living at high altitude or in a sunny climate, prior radiation therapy, and a personal or family history of skin cancer.

How is BCC treated?

BCC is highly treatable when caught early. Common treatment options include:

  • Mohs micrographic surgery - the gold standard, with cure rates up to 99% for new cancers and 94% for recurrent cancers
  • Surgical excision
  • Electrodesiccation and curettage
  • Topical therapies (5-fluorouracil, imiquimod)
  • Cryosurgery
  • Radiation (for patients who cannot tolerate surgery)
  • Targeted therapies (hedgehog pathway inhibitors) for advanced cases
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
What is squamous cell carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer, with approximately 1.8 million cases diagnosed in the U.S. annually. It develops in the squamous cells - the flat cells that make up most of the outer layers of skin. SCC is more likely than BCC to spread to lymph nodes and other organs if not treated.

Who is most at risk for SCC?

SCC is linked primarily to UV exposure (sun and tanning beds), but also to:

  • Chronic skin wounds, scars, or ulcers
  • Exposure to certain chemicals (arsenic, tar)
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
  • Immunosuppression - organ transplant patients are approximately 100 times more likely than the general public to develop SCC
What does SCC look like?
  • A firm, red nodule
  • A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface
  • A new sore or raised area on an old scar
  • A rough, scaly patch on the lip
  • A wart-like growth
How is SCC treated?

Most SCCs are treated by:

  • Mohs micrographic surgery (especially on the face)
  • Surgical excision
  • Radiation therapy
  • Electrodesiccation and curettage
  • Topical chemotherapy or immunotherapy creams (for superficial lesions)
  • Systemic immunotherapy or targeted therapy for advanced or metastatic SCC
Merkel Cell Carcinoma & Other Rare Skin Cancers
Are there other types of skin cancer?

Yes. While BCC, SCC, and melanoma account for many diagnoses, other skin cancers include:

  • Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC): A rare but aggressive cancer with approximately 3,200 new cases in the U.S. each year. About 40% of MCC cases recur after initial treatment, making vigilant follow-up essential.
  • Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP): A rare tumor of the deeper skin layers; grows slowly but tends to recur locally.
  • Cutaneous lymphoma: Cancer that originates in the lymphocytes of the skin.
  • Kaposi sarcoma: Associated with immunosuppression, particularly in individuals with HIV/AIDS.

If you have an unusual or persistent skin lesion, a dermatologist evaluation is always warranted, regardless of its appearance.

Protection Guidelines
What is the single most important thing I can do to prevent skin cancer?

Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen use is the single most effective, evidence-backed habit for reducing your risk of skin cancer and premature aging. It's not a guarantee - no product eliminates risk entirely - but the data is substantial: a long-term Australian trial (the Nambour Skin Cancer Prevention Study) found that regular sunscreen users developed about 40% fewer squamous cell carcinomas than irregular users over the study's follow-up period. This reflects general population research on sunscreen use broadly, not a specific performance claim about Sunsei products.

What SPF should I use?

Current guidance from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) recommends:

  • Minimum SPF 30 for daily use - the AAD recommends SPF 30 or higher for all skin types, and the SCF requires at least SPF 30 for any product to earn its Seal of Recommendation for daily use.
  • SPF 50 or higher for active/outdoor use - the SCF requires a minimum SPF 50 with proven water resistance for its Active Use Seal.
  • Your sunscreen must be labeled "broad-spectrum" - this means it protects against both UVA rays (which penetrate deeply and cause aging and DNA damage) and UVB rays (which cause sunburn and are directly linked to skin cancer).
  • SPF alone only measures UVB protection. The "broad-spectrum" designation is what ensures UVA coverage - both labels together are essential.
How much sunscreen should I apply, and how often?
  • Apply approximately 1 ounce (a full shot glass) to cover all exposed skin on your body; use a nickel-sized amount for the face alone.
  • Apply 15–30 minutes before sun exposure to allow a protective film to form.
  • Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors - and immediately after swimming, heavy sweating, or toweling off, since even water-resistant formulas lose effectiveness.
  • Don't rely on makeup with SPF as your primary sun protection - cosmetic SPF products provide supplemental, not sufficient, coverage.
What about sun avoidance and protective clothing?

Sunscreen is one part of a comprehensive sun-safe strategy. Dermatologists recommend:

  • Seek shade during peak UV hours - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - when the sun's rays are most intense across most of North America.
  • Wear protective clothing: long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats (at least 3 inches), and UV-blocking sunglasses that protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Wear UPF-rated clothing (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) when possible - these garments are specifically designed to block UV radiation.
  • Avoid or strictly limit use of tanning beds - indoor tanning significantly increases the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.
How often should I get a professional skin exam?

The AAD offers free skin cancer screenings nationwide through participating member dermatologists. Guidelines recommend:

  • Annual full-body skin exams with a board-certified dermatologist for most adults
  • More frequent exams (every 3–6 months) for individuals with a personal or family history of skin cancer, many moles, or significant sun exposure history
  • Prompt evaluation of any suspicious spot - don't wait for your annual exam if you notice an ABCDE warning sign or the "ugly duckling" sign
What is a skin self-exam and how do I do one?

A monthly skin self-exam is a cornerstone of early detection. Here's how:

  • Use a well-lit room and a full-length mirror plus a hand mirror.
  • Examine your entire body, front and back, including your scalp (use a comb or hair dryer), between fingers and toes, under nails, soles of feet, and genitals.
  • Look for any new spots, changes to existing moles, or anything that fits the ABCDE criteria.
  • Note where moles are located so you can track changes over time.
  • Report anything new, changing, or unusual to your dermatologist promptly.
Are there additional risk factors I should know about?

Yes. Beyond sun exposure, discuss these risk factors with your dermatologist:

  • Fair skin, light hair, light eyes - less melanin means less natural UV protection
  • Family history of melanoma or skin cancer
  • More than 50 moles, or any atypical (dysplastic) moles
  • History of blistering sunburns, especially in childhood or adolescence
  • Immunosuppression - from organ transplants, HIV, or immunosuppressive medications
  • History of radiation therapy to the skin
  • Geographic and altitude factors - residents of sunbelt states and higher-altitude locations face greater UV exposure year-round
  • Occupational sun exposure - outdoor workers have significantly elevated lifetime UV exposure
What's the bottom line on prevention?

The combination of daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, sun-avoidance behavior, protective clothing, monthly self-exams, and annual professional skin checks is the evidence-based standard recommended by dermatologists and oncologists across the country. When skin cancer is found early, it is highly treatable - early-stage melanoma has a 99% five-year survival rate, and basal and squamous cell carcinomas are curable in many cases.

Sources

The information on this page was prepared using resources from leading health, dermatology, cancer research, and public health organizations.

  • American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
  • American Cancer Society — Cancer Facts & Figures 2025 and 2026
  • Skin Cancer Foundation
  • AIM at Melanoma Foundation
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention
  • Mayo Clinic
  • National Institutes of Health / National Cancer Institute — SEER Database
  • Green et al. — Nambour Skin Cancer Prevention Trial
  • Environmental Working Group (EWG)
  • American Medical Association (AMA)
  • Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF)

Direct links to approved source materials can be added here once finalized.

This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about a mole or skin lesion, consult a board-certified dermatologist.