Studies Reveal Substantial Increases in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers

Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common disease in the United States. The disease affects more individuals than all other cancers combined. It has a death rate that is lower than other cancers but still significant. Non-melanoma skin cancer is not typically reported to cancer registries. Based on the model developed by Robert S. Stern, M.D., of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School to estimate the prevalence of non-melanoma skin cancer, Dr. Stern estimates that approximately 13 million white, non-Hispanic Americans had had at least one non-melanoma skin cancer by 2007. The total number of procedures to treat skin cancer in the Medicare population increased 76.9 percent from an estimated approximately 1.6 million procedures in 1992 to approximately 2 million procedures in 2006. The authors say "To date, educational programs emphasizing sun protection have mainly been disappointing in slowing skin cancer rates. In the face of ongoing increases in skin cancer incidence, continued national research and programs on treatment, education and prevention are critical."

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100315161726.htm