Melanoma 2022 Statistics

The deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma, is steadily on the rise, while a lot of other common cancers have declined in the past couple of decades. It has actually become the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in young people. However, this disease can be treated WHEN detected early. Here are some alarming and promising statistics that you should know about this disease:

• 5-Year Survival Rate – The good news is that the survivability of those with melanoma is generally very high when detected and treated early. Early melanoma survival rate is well over 99%, with a 67% survivability for those who have had it spread in a local area. In contrast, melanoma that has spread to distant sites have a survivability rate of about 30%.
• Expected New Cases in 2022 – Skin cancer experts have predicted that almost 100,000 people will be diagnosed in 2022 alone, with a majority of them being 25 to 29 years old. This is an alarming statistic because the incidence of melanoma has doubled during the past thirty years in the United States alone. As far as mortality rates go, an estimated 7,600 people are expected to die from this disease, with 66% of deaths being men.
•  Sun-Related Risks – People who have been using tanning beds before the age of 35 have a 75% higher risk of developing melanoma. This is because melanoma is attributed to UV-induced damage, and tanning beds are partly to blame. Getting severe sunburns during your youth can also play a part to potentially having a higher risk of developing melanoma.

So how can you prevent getting melanoma? There are three main methods – using sunscreen regularly, wearing protective clothing when you have to go out in the sun, and getting your moles checked regularly by your dermatologist. For more information about melanoma, visit our skin cancer resource page here.