Skin cancer is a form of cancer that results from the malignant development of skin cells caused by sun exposure. The three major skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.
Here’s a quick comparison of the 3 types:
BCC: Most common, slow-growing, rarely spreads. Appears as pearly bumps.
SCC: Grows faster, can spread, shows as red, scaly patches.
Melanoma: Most dangerous, spreads quickly. Looks like a changing mole.
Melanoma, though less common, is more aggressive and responsible for most skin cancer-related deaths. Early detection is critical, as timely treatment can greatly improve outcomes.
Prevalence of Skin Cancer
The 17th most common cancer in the world is skin cancer, but it is the most common in Australia. [1] In 2022, more than 331,722 new cases worldwide were reported. Non-melanoma skin cancers have risen dramatically, with 145% and 263% increases in incidence over recent decades for BCC and SCC, respectively.
Melanoma rates have also increased, with a 31.5% increase from 2011 to 2019. While the rates are highest among whites, skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin color.
Skin Cancer Survival Statistics
Survival rates of skin cancer depend on the type and stage of diagnosis. Types of skin cancers, like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, will have great outcomes if treated early. Melanoma has a great five-year survival rate of 94% when caught early before it spreads, but only 35% if it reaches distant organs.
The five-year survival rate for localized melanoma is 99%, while with the spread of the cancer, it diminishes. Early detection and treatment are, therefore, very crucial. [3]
Skin Cancer Costs
The skin cancer type, location on the body, and stage will help determine the costs of diagnosis and treatment. Treatments for non-melanoma cancers are less costly than melanomas, especially if found early. The treatment for early-stage melanoma will cost aound $1,700, while its treatment at later stages could exceed $56,000.These figures are based on U.S. data and may vary significantly in other regions.
Generally, skin cancer screening is less expensive, especially in its early stages, than the treatment involved during the advanced stages of the disease. Normally, skin cancer screening costs anywhere between $100 and $268.
For more details, refer to this article: The Cost Of Skin Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment, And Care. [4]
Where to Find More Skin Cancer Information
If you’re searching for reliable, informative sources about skin cancer, here’s a categorized breakdown to help you navigate the best resources based on your specific needs:
Best Websites Specifically for Skin Cancer
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
AAD provides an excellent explanation of the different types of skin cancer, offering a quick breakdown of each type. It is well-suited for those looking to quickly understand skin cancer typology. Check out Types of Skin Cancer. [5] - Skin Cancer Foundation
The Skin Cancer Foundation offers helpful infographics and downloadable PDFs that make understanding skin cancer easier through visual aids. Check out Skin Cancer 101. [6]
Best Websites for Research Stats
- Healthline
Healthline provides well-researched, evidence-based content on skin cancer, incorporating references to recent studies. It’s an excellent source for statistics. Check out What Is Skin Cancer?. [5] - Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK delivers an extensive, detailed look into symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments, supported by infographics. Ideal for those seeking a research-driven, statistical approach. Learn more in their article on Skin Cancer. [6]
Best Websites for In-Depth Exploration of the Disease
- National Cancer Institute – NIH
For those who need deeper medical insights, the NCI provides an extensive patient guide with key information on diagnosis, treatment, and research. Check out Skin Cancer (Including Melanoma)—Patient Version. [7] - WebMD
WebMD offers a well-rounded exploration of skin cancer types, symptoms, and treatments. It is a solid starting point for anyone wanting a general understanding, with further links to more specific topics. Read more in their Skin Cancer Overview. [8] - Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic offers a comprehensive overview of skin cancer and its types, supported by images and detailed descriptions. Visit their Skin Cancer page for more information. [9]
Best Websites for Quick Reads
- Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic offers concise, skimmable summaries of major skin cancer facts, making it easy for quick reference. Find more in their article on Skin Cancer. [10]
Best Websites for Images and Visual Resources
- American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is an excellent visual resource with an image gallery of various types of skin cancer, highlighting early signs and symptoms. Visit their Skin Cancer Image Gallery for detailed images. [12]
The Bottom Line
Though common, skin cancer is preventable; it’s also treatable if it’s caught early. Limiting U.V. exposure, performing regular skin checks, and seeking immediate medical attention for suspicious changes can reduce the risk. For more information and detailed facts, please have a look at the sources listed above.
Reference
- World Cancer Research Fund International. “Skin Cancer Statistics | World Cancer Research Fund International.” WCRF International, 2020, www.wcrf.org/cancer-trends/skin-cancer-statistics/.
- American Cancer Society. www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2024/2024-cancer-facts-and-figures-acs.pdf.
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. “Skin Cancer.” Aad.org, American Academy of Dermatology Association, 22 Apr. 2022, www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer.
- Ltd, HealthMatch Pty. “The Cost of Skin Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Care.” HealthMatch, 11 Oct. 2021, healthmatch.io/skin-cancer/cost-of-skin-cancer-treatment.
- “What Is Skin Cancer?” Healthline, www.healthline.com/health/skin-cancer.
- Cancer Research UK. “Skin Cancer.” Cancerresearchuk.org, 2017, www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/skin-cancer.
- National Cancer Institute. “Skin Cancer (Including Melanoma)—Patient Version.” National Cancer Institute, Cancer.gov, 2019, www.cancer.gov/types/skin.
- “An Overview of Skin Cancer.” WebMD, www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/skin-cancer.
- Mayo Clinic . “Skin Cancer – Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic, 5 Dec. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20377605.
- Cleveland Clinic. “Skin Cancer Overview | Cleveland Clinic.” Cleveland Clinic, 19 Nov. 2021, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15818-skin-cancer.
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. “Types of Skin Cancer.” Www.aad.org, 2024, www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common.
- “Skin Cancer Image Gallery | Photos of Skin Cancer.” Www.cancer.org, www.cancer.org/cancer/types/skin-cancer/skin-cancer-image-gallery.html.
- Sarnoff, Deborah. “Skin Cancer Information – the Skin Cancer Foundation.” The Skin Cancer Foundation, The Skin Cancer Foundation, 2018, www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/.
