What is the life expectancy for someone who gets skin cancer?

The life expectancy for someone with skin cancer is highly dependent on the type and stage of skin cancer, as well as the individual's overall health and the timeliness of treatment. However, the general life expectancy rates for the three most common types of skin cancer are as follows:

- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, and it rarely spreads beyond the skin. When caught and treated early, the cure rate for BCC is almost 100%, and it does not typically significantly affect life expectancy.

- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): SCC is also curable if caught and treated early, with a 5-year survival rate of 95% for localized disease. The prognosis for SCC becomes less favorable if it spreads to other parts of the body, but most cases are curable if treated appropriately.

- Melanoma: Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and it is the leading cause of death from skin cancer. The 5-year survival rate for localized melanoma is 99%, but if it spreads to other parts of the body, the survival rate drops significantly. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in improving the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.