Skin Cancer Statistics: What the Numbers Mean

Skin cancer is the most common malignancy in the United States. Understanding the data — incidence rates, survival statistics, and treatment outcomes — helps patients make informed decisions about screening and care. The figures below are drawn from peer-reviewed epidemiological research and the American Cancer Society.

How Common Is Skin Cancer?

• 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70
• More than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day in the United States
• Skin cancer accounts for more diagnoses annually than all other cancers combined
• An estimated 3.3 million Americans are treated for BCC or SCC each year
• Approximately 100,000 new melanoma cases are diagnosed annually in the U.S.

Skin Cancer Types: Breakdown

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): ~80% of all skin cancers. Over 4 million cases per year in the U.S. Rarely metastasizes but causes significant local tissue destruction if untreated.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): ~20% of skin cancers. Approximately 15,000 deaths per year in the U.S. attributable to SCC.
• Melanoma: ~1% of skin cancers but responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. 5-year survival exceeds 98% at Stage I and drops to ~20–30% at Stage IV.

Mohs Surgery Outcomes

• Mohs micrographic surgery achieves 5-year cure rates of up to 99% for primary BCC and ~97% for SCC — the highest of any skin cancer treatment
• For recurrent tumors, Mohs cure rates remain ~94–95% — higher than standard excision
• Mohs removes less normal tissue than standard excision — critical for the face, ears, eyelids, and nose
• Belaray Dermatology has three dual board-certified Mohs surgeons across its two Long Island offices

Sun Exposure and Prevention

• Regular use of SPF 15+ sunscreen reduces SCC risk by 40% and melanoma risk by 50%
• Indoor tanning increases melanoma risk by 75% and SCC risk by 67%
• A single blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles lifetime melanoma risk
• Annual skin exams remain the most effective intervention for early detection

Learn what to look for between visits in our guide on how to check your skin for cancer, and read what to expect from Mohs surgery if a lesion requires treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 80% of all skin cancers diagnosed in the United States, making it the most common of all human cancers.

What is the survival rate for melanoma?

When caught at Stage I, the 5-year melanoma survival rate exceeds 98%. At Stage IV (metastatic), the 5-year survival rate drops to approximately 20–30%, though modern immunotherapy has dramatically improved outcomes for some patients.

How effective is Mohs surgery for skin cancer?

Mohs micrographic surgery achieves cure rates of up to 99% for primary basal cell carcinoma and approximately 97% for squamous cell carcinoma — the highest cure rates of any skin cancer treatment modality.

How many people die from skin cancer each year in the U.S.?

Approximately 7,990 people die from melanoma annually. Squamous cell carcinoma causes an estimated 15,000 deaths per year. Basal cell carcinoma very rarely causes death but can cause significant disfigurement without treatment.