The Skin Cancer Epidemic: Understanding the Risks and Prevention Measures

Posted on: May 17th, 2025 by Our Team

Skin cancer is a growing health concern, with cases on the rise worldwide making it a fitting topic for May’s Melanoma Awareness Month. According to the World Health Organization, over 4-5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year, and the number of cases is only increasing. The majority of these cases are nonmelanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma but approximately 95,000 are new melanoma cases. Skin cancers including nonmelanoma skin cancers and melanoma are responsible for approximately twenty thousand deaths annually and $8.9 billion in treatment costs. In this blog, we will explore the reasons behind the skin cancer epidemic and what we can do to prevent it.

The Causes of the Skin Cancer Epidemic

One of the main causes of the skin cancer epidemic is overexposure to UV radiation from the sun and other sources, such as tanning beds. UV radiation damages the DNA in our skin cells, which can lead to skin cancer over time. Additionally, skin cancer risk is increased in individuals who have a fair complexion, who have a family history of skin cancer, and who have a history of excessive sun exposure.

Another contributing factor to the skin cancer epidemic is a lack of knowledge about skin cancer and its risk factors. Many individuals do not realize the dangers of UV radiation, and do not take adequate measures to protect their skin. Board-certified dermatologist and board-certified, fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Thomas Knackstedt and the team at Apex Skin Center are passionate about educating patients about the benefits and risks of the sun.

Prevention Measures to Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer

The good news is that skin cancer is largely preventable with the right measures. Here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer:

1. Protect your skin from UV radiation by wearing protective clothing, such as hats and long-sleeved shirts, and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
2. Avoid excessive sun exposure, especially during peak hours, which are between 10am and 4pm.
3. Avoid using tanning beds, as they emit harmful UV radiation that can increase your risk of skin cancer.
4. Conduct regular skin self-exams to check for any new or changing moles or skin growths.
5. If you have a family history of skin cancer, or have had skin cancer in the past, it is important to be extra vigilant in protecting your skin and to have regular skin check-ups with a dermatologist.

The skin cancer epidemic is a growing health concern, with cases on the rise worldwide. However, skin cancer is largely preventable with the right measures. By protecting your skin from UV radiation, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and conducting regular skin self-exams, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. Remember, early detection is key to successful treatment, so don’t hesitate to seek our advice at Apex Skin Center if you have any concerns about your skin.