Fact vs. Fiction: Debunking Common Misconceptions about Skin Cancer, Sun Safety
Source: American Cancer Society, April 2024
ATLANTA, April 30, 2024 – In the United States, more than 5 million cases of skin cancers are diagnosed each year. Despite its prevalence, there are still a number of misconceptions surrounding the disease. For Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May, the American Cancer Society (ACS) and Dr. Shanthi Sivendran, senior vice president, cancer care support at ACS, are sharing the facts behind some of these common fictions related to skin cancer and sun safety.
FICTION: Skin cancer is relatively rare, and not many people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer.
FACT: Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the nation.? According to one estimate, about 5.4 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year. While roughly 8 out of 10 new skin cancer cases are basal cell cancers, ACS estimates that about 100,640 new cases of melanoma skin cancer will be diagnosed in 2024.