5 Things You Should Know About Skin Cancer

As the most common form of cancer in the US, skin cancer presents a growing public health challenge despite being one of the most preventable and detectable.1 With May marking National Skin Cancer Detection and Awareness Month, health care professionals are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in reducing skin cancer incidence through early identification, proactive screening, and patient education.

As the most common form of cancer in the US, skin cancer presents a growing public health challenge despite being one of the most preventable and detectable. | Image credit: Medical Works - stock.adobe.com

Here are 5 things every health care professional should know about skin cancer:

1. Skin Cancer Is the Most Common Malignancy in the US

Skin cancer is the most common malignancy in the US, with current estimates showing that 1 in 5 Americans will develop it in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). It is estimated that approximately 9500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Additionally, the incidence of basal cell carcinoma rose by 145% and squamous cell carcinoma by 263% between 1976 to 1984 and 2000 to 2010, with women experiencing a greater increase than men. Furthermore, cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, continue to rise, with more than 1 million Americans currently living with the disease. By 2025, it’s estimated that over 212,000 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed. Although rates among younger adults are stabilizing, melanoma incidence continues to increase among women 50 years and older.

2. UV Exposure Counseling Improves Sun Protection Behaviors

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is a major risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma.2 UV rays from the sun, tanning beds, and sun lamps can damage the DNA inside skin cells, leading to cancer. Patterns of UV exposure, especially frequent sunburns during childhood, may increase the risk of melanoma development.

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends behavioral counseling to promote sun protection in children, young adults with fair skin (grade B), and high-risk adults (grade C).3 While counseling improves sun protection behaviors, evidence linking it to reduced sunburns or skin cancer is limited.

A systematic review that evaluated the impact of behavioral counseling on skin cancer prevention found that counseling interventions led to increases in sun protection behaviors and skin self-examination among both children and adults.4 In adults, behavioral interventions slightly increased the rate of skin self-examinations but also led to more skin procedures without detecting additional atypical nevi or cancers.

3. Early Melanoma Detection Saves Lives

Melanoma accounts for about 1% of skin cancers but causes most skin cancer deaths.5 Identifying melanoma early is crucial because it is highly treatable at an early stage. The overall 5-year relative survival rate for melanoma in the US is 94%.6 Survival is highest when melanoma is localized, at over 99%. It drops to 75% when the cancer has spread regionally and to 35% when it has spread to distant parts of the body.

The ABCDEs of melanoma detection are a helpful guide for identifying potentially harmful moles or growths.7 "A" stands for Asymmetry, meaning the mole’s halves are uneven. "B" refers to Border, indicating irregular or jagged edges. "C" stands for Color, where multiple colors or uneven coloring are present. "D" is for Diameter, noting if the mole is larger than a pencil eraser. "E" stands for Evolving, which refers to changes in size, shape, or thickness over time.

4. Skin Cancer Is Often Diagnosed Late in Patients With Skin of Color

Melanoma can affect anyone, regardless of skin color, but it is often diagnosed later in people with darker skin tones, making it harder to treat, according to the AAD.1 Although melanoma is much less common among non-Hispanic Black, Asian, and Pacific Islander individuals compared with non-Hispanic White individuals, survival rates are lower. In Black patients, melanoma is often found only after it has spread to lymph nodes or other organs. Additionally, individuals with darker skin are also more likely to develop melanoma in less sun-exposed areas, such as the palms, soles, under the nails, or inside the mouth.

At the Skin of Color Update 2024 in New York City, Valerie M. Harvey, MD, MPH, FAAD, founder and director of the Hampton Roads Center for Dermatology, addressed the persistent underrepresentation of minority populations in dermatology clinical trials.8 Harvey emphasized that despite 3 decades of awareness, little progress has been made. She also urged industry leaders to engage diverse communities early in study design and encouraged clinicians to educate patients, build trust, and advocate for more inclusive research practices.

5. The Role of AI and Teledermatology Is Expanding in Skin Cancer Detection

Artificial intelligence (AI) can significantly improve the accuracy of skin cancer diagnoses.9 In a study conducted at Stanford Medicine, AI algorithms trained on thousands of skin images helped health care practitioners, especially those who are not dermatologists, detect cancers more effectively. The researchers emphasized that although AI is not replacing physicians, it is supporting them in clinical decisions. Furthermore, dermatology, given its reliance on visual assessments, is particularly suited for AI integration. Therefore, experts believe that with proper implementation, AI can boost diagnostic accuracy, reduce physician burnout, and improve outcomes for all patients across specialties.

Moreover, a study published in ESMO Annals of Oncology, compared Google's Inception v4 convolutional neural network (CNN) to 58 dermatologists.10 The study found that the CNN outperformed most physicians in diagnosing melanoma from dermoscopic images. While additional patient information slightly improved dermatologist performance, the CNN consistently achieved better diagnostic accuracy.

With the increasing incidence of skin cancer and evolving tools for diagnosis and care, it’s crucial to stay informed about best practices in screening, counseling, and technology use. By prioritizing sun protection, recognizing the signs of skin cancer in diverse populations, and leveraging innovations like AI and teledermatology, health care professionals can make a significant impact on patient outcomes.

References

1. Skin cancer. Academy of American Dermatology. Updated March 25, 2025. Accessed April 25, 2025. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer

2. Risk factors for melanoma skin cancer. American Skin Cancer Society (ACS). Accessed April 25, 2025. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/melanoma-skin-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html

3. Linos E, Pagoto S. USPSTF recommendations for behavioral counseling for skin cancer prevention: throwing shade on UV radiation. JAMA Intern Med. 2018;178(5):609-611. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2018.0846

4. Green A, Williams G, Logan V, et al. Reduced melanoma after regular sunscreen use: randomized trial follow-up. J Clin Oncol. 2011;29(3):257-263. doi:10.1200/JCO.2010.28.7078

5. Key statistics for melanoma skin cancer. ACS. Updated January 16, 2025. Accessed April 28, 2025. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/melanoma-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html

6. Survival rates for melanoma skin cancer. ACS. Updated January 16, 2025. Accessed April 28, 2025. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/melanoma-skin-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates-for-melanoma-skin-cancer-by-stage.html

7. What to look for. Melanoma Research Alliance. Accessed April 28, 2025. https://www.curemelanoma.org/about-melanoma/educate-yourself/know-what-to-look-for

8. McCormick B. Expert highlights need for greater diversity in dermatology clinical trials. AJMC®. September 17, 2024. Accessed April 28, 2025. https://www.ajmc.com/view/expert-highlights-need-for-greater-diversity-in-dermatology-clinical-trials

9. Conger K. AI improves accuracy of skin cancer diagnoses in Stanford Medicine-led study. Stanford Medicine. April 11, 2024. Accessed April 28, 2025. https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2024/04/ai-skin-diagnosis.html

10. Haenssle HA, Fink C, Schneiderbaurer R. Man against machine: diagnostic performance of a deep learning convolutional neural network for dermoscopic melanoma recognition in comparison to 58 dermatologists. Ann Oncol. 2018;29(8):1836-1842. doi:10.1093/annonc/mdy166