Demographics of Health Relating to Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting people in the United States. Some types of skin cancer are malignant while others are benign. About 20 percent of Americans will have some type of skin cancer during their lifetime. In some cases, skin cancer can spread to other organs of the body, while others types generally are restricted to an easily removed growth. Skin cancer can be a minor problem or a terminal condition, depending on the type of skin cancer and the stage of diagnosis. Many skin cancers can be cured if they are diagnosed and treated promptly.

Skin Cancer in Women

• Women under the age of 40 are the group with the fastest growing rate of skin cancer diagnoses. Melanoma is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women between the ages of 25 and 29. In women aged 30 to 34, melanoma is second only to breast cancer as the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer. Though African-American women have a lower incidence of skin cancer than white women, they are more likely to have aggressive tumors that lead to death.

Skin Cancer in Men

• Men are said to have the most exposure to ultraviolet rays due to occupational exposure to sunlight, lower preventative use of sunscreen and later diagnosis, according to an article in U.S. News & World Report. White men over 50 are the most likely demographic to be diagnosed with melanoma, a rare form of cancer with a high mortality rate. The incidence of melanoma is greater in women under 39, then it becomes increasingly more common in men. Men are more likely to die from melanoma than women, and have about a 30 percent greater chance of developing melanoma than do women.

Skin Cancer in Children

• Children are experiencing a rise in the incidence of skin cancer. Diagnoses of malignant melanoma, a rare form of cancer, has increased slightly in children. Malignant melanoma is said to be the deadliest form of skin cancer due to its tendency to spread to other organ systems. People with fair skin, a family history of the disease or a large number of moles are at the highest risk for developing skin cancer. If these risk factors are present in children, regular skin cancer screenings are a good idea. Children should wear sunscreen liberally and regularly when outside, even on cloudy days.

Skin Cancer Based on UV Ray Exposure

• Ultraviolet radiation, commonly referred to as UVA and UVB rays, are known carcinogens naturally occurring in sunlight. Tanning beds provide an artificial source of UV light, designed to speed up the tanning process through indoor use at varying intervals. A youth who uses a tanning bed for the first time increases his or her risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent. Tanning in artificial tanning beds at frequent intervals can expose a person to approximately 12 times the amount of UVA rays typical of an average year of sun exposure. Any individuals who use tanning beds regularly can increase their risk of developing basal or squamous cell carcinomas by a factor of 1.5 to 2.5.

Skin Cancer by Ethnicity

• Asian-Americans and African-Americans tend to have more advanced cases of melanoma at diagnosis, which can account for higher mortality rates. Melanoma in non-white ethnic groups occurs in greater numbers in children than adults. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that for most non-white ethnic groups, skin cancer tends to occur in areas that are not normally exposed and have less pigment.