Skin cancer rates in the US are rising fast. Learn why, who's most at risk, and how your daily habits may be making it worse. Real stats, facts, & tips
Skin cancer rates in the US have been climbing for decades—and they’re not slowing down. From tanning beds to sunscreen myths, Americans face growing risks tied to everyday choices and deep-rooted misconceptions. Understanding what’s fueling this spike is the first step toward stopping it.
America’s UV Obsession Is Costing Lives
The US has some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Every year, doctors treat over 5.4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer. That’s more than all other cancers combined.
Why? Sun exposure plays a big role, but it’s not just beach vacations. Daily walks, outdoor sports, and even driving in daylight add up. Yet, only 30% of adults wear sunscreen regularly. Men are especially at risk—they’re less likely to apply SPF and more likely to dismiss mole changes as “nothing.”
Melanoma Is Hitting Young Adults Hard
It’s not just older adults anymore. Melanoma is now the most common cancer in Americans ages 25–29. That rise ties back to tanning bed use during the 2000s. Women in their teens and early 20s were the top users, and those risks are showing up now.
Using a tanning bed before age 35 increases melanoma risk by nearly 60%. Yet millions of young people still use them each year, despite FDA warnings and bans in several states.
People of Colour Are Getting Diagnosed Too Late
There’s a dangerous myth that only fair-skinned people get skin cancer. While they are at higher risk, Black, Hispanic, and Asian Americans still develop it—and they’re often diagnosed at later stages. That late detection drops survival rates dramatically.
Melanoma found in early stages has a 99% survival rate. But that number plummets to 27% if caught late. This makes education and equal access to dermatology services essential for all skin types.
The US Screens More—Which Can Skew the Stats
One reason the US shows higher skin cancer rates is because we test and track it more aggressively. Annual skin checks and early biopsies catch cases that might go unnoticed elsewhere. While that’s a good thing, it also inflates the numbers in comparison with under-screened countries.
Still, that doesn’t explain everything. Many of these cases are real, preventable, and growing fast.
Where It’s Worst: States With Constant Sunshine
Florida, Arizona, and California top the charts for skin cancer cases per capita. Constant UV exposure, outdoor living, and an aging population combine to drive risk. But even colder states like Minnesota show spikes—thanks to tanning culture and low SPF usage in winter months.
How to Actually Lower Your Risk
If you want to avoid becoming part of the statistics, you’ve got to build better sun habits. And no, it's not just “wear sunscreen.” Here’s what works:
- Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily—even on cloudy days
- Reapply every 2 hours if you're outdoors or sweating
- Avoid tanning beds completely
- Wear hats, sunglasses, and UPF-rated clothing
- Schedule a yearly skin check with a dermatologist
- Know your skin type and check for mole changes monthly
For more on spotting early signs, check our internal guide on Skin Cancer Awareness Month and tips on sun safety you’re probably ignoring.
Real Stats to Know
- 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70
- Melanoma kills one person every hour in the US
- Up to 90% of skin cancer cases are caused by UV exposure
- SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays—but only if applied correctly
- Men over 50 have the highest melanoma death rate