What to know
Overview
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Central cancer registries collect data on melanoma of the skin and nonepithelial skin cancers such as Merkel cell carcinoma (a rare but often aggressive type of skin cancer). Data on basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are not normally collected by central cancer registries because they are so common.
An examination of Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data suggests that each year, about 6.1 million adults are treated for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas at a cost of about $8.9 billion.
Sunburn and UV protective behaviors
National survey data about sun protection, indoor tanning, and sunburn are collected through the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (for high school students) and the National Health Interview Survey (for adults). Relevant results are available online, including:
Data for high school students
Data for adults
U.S. Cancer Statistics Data Visualizations Tool
The Data Visualizations tool makes it easy for anyone to explore and use the latest official federal government cancer data from United States Cancer Statistics. It includes the latest cancer data covering the U.S. population.
Benefits of skin cancer prevention
Health and Economic Benefits of Skin Cancer Interventions explains that using proven interventions to prevent skin cancer, especially melanoma, can save money and improve quality of life.