Facts about Melanoma:
- More than 9,000 Americans die of melanoma each year.
- The rate of new cases of melanoma doubled between 1982 and 2011.
- The annual cost for treating melanoma has grown faster than the annual treatment costs for all cancers combined.
- The annual cost of treating new melanoma patients is projected to triple from 2011 through 2030 (from $457 million to $1.6 billion).
- We can do better. Effective community skin cancer prevention programs could prevent an estimated 21,000 cases of melanoma and save $250 million per year by 2030.
To prevent skin cancer, communities and policymakers can:
- Increase shade at playgrounds, public pools, and other public spaces
- Promote sun protection in recreational areas, including the use or purchase of hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses
- Encourage employers, childcare centers, schools, and colleges to educate employees and students about sun safety and skin protection
- Restrict the availability and use of indoor tanning by minors
