The Skin Cancer Stats You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in America, and its rates continue to rise. Protecting yourself requires a few simple but powerful steps: Prevention, early detection and timely treatment.

Here, Steven Kolenik, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeon at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Connecticut, shares what everyone should know to keep their skin healthy and reduce the risk of complications.

From Basal Cell to Melanoma

The three most common forms of skin cancer — basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma — collectively make up 95% of all diagnoses. In the U.S. this year, there will be approximately 3.6 million cases of basal cell carcinoma, 1.8 million of squamous cell carcinoma, and about 200,000 of melanoma.

“That means 9,500 people will be diagnosed with skin cancer today alone,” says Dr. Kolenik. “Fortunately, the most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, is rarely fatal with spread to internal organs extremely rare,” he notes.

But he warns, if left untreated, basal cell carcinoma can be locally destructive, invading and compromising, bone, muscle and nerves, which can lead to significant disfigurement and dysfunction. Much more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma is squamous cell carcinoma with an estimated 45,000 cases becoming metastatic resulting in approximately 15,000 deaths per year.

“Melanoma, while far less common than basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, is one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer with 200,000 cases resulting in about 9,000 deaths per year in the U.S.,” he adds.

Protect the Skin You’re In

“We have excellent scientific data proving the causative role of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the development of skin cancer so the cornerstone of prevention should include limiting exposure to UV with broad spectrum sunscreens and sun protective clothing,” advises Dr. Kolenik.

Here’s how to protect your skin every day of the year:

• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days, and reapply every two to three hours.
• Wear sun-protective clothing, including long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Avoid indoor tanning beds.
• Seek shade during peak sunlight hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Commit to an annual skin exam.

The American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation both recommend yearly full body skin exams for most adults, and more frequently for those with a significant history of skin cancer. “As with any cancer, early detection makes treatment easier, and more successful, and with early detection all forms of skin cancer are easily curable,” he says.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Even with preventive measures in place, it’s essential to monitor your skin between yearly exams. Pay attention to any new or changing lesions, particularly those that bleed, itch or don’t heal.

Keep an eye out for these potential warning signs:

• New growth that increases in size or changes in color or shape.
• A sore that doesn’t heal or repeatedly crusts or bleeds.

If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your provider immediately.

A Look at Treatment Options

Once skin cancer is diagnosed, timely and appropriate treatment is critical. Most non-melanoma skin cancers are treated with minor surgical procedures, such as excision or electrodessication and curettage (ED&C). “These techniques are effective for small, low-risk tumors and can often be completed in a single visit,” says Dr. Kolenik.

For non-melanoma skin cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas, those with aggressive features, recurrent tumors or large primary tumors, “we specialize in Mohs micrographic surgery with our Mohs surgeons performing over 2,200 cases per year,” says Dr. Kolenik.

Mohs surgery allows for the precise removal of the cancer, while preserving the surrounding normal tissue resulting in the highest cure rates combined with the smallest surgical area possible. “Our Mohs surgeons have an amazing track record of performing over 50,000 Mohs cases with a demonstrated cure rate approaching 99%, but to avoid needing any procedure for skin cancer, we strongly recommend booking that full body skin exam now,” he suggests.

Yearly Skin Exams Can Make All the Difference

Most adults should receive a full-body skin check once a year, but individuals with a personal or family history of skin cancer may need an exam more frequently. These exams allow dermatologists to spot skin changes early and take action before they progress.

“At Schweiger Dermatology Group’s Connecticut offices alone, we diagnose and treat around 5,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer and approximately 200 melanomas each year,” says Dr. Kolinek. “Many of these are caught during routine skin checks and treated with in-office procedures that have excellent cure rates.”

Skin Cancer Prevention at Schweiger Dermatology Group

At Schweiger, our board-certified dermatologists and advanced providers conduct comprehensive skin examinations, address suspicious moles and lesions, monitor changes in your skin and share prevention tips to help keep your skin healthy. To make an appointment, call or text (844) DERM-DOC / (844) 337-6362 or book online.

Steven Kolenik, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon at Schweiger Dermatology Group. He has performed more than 40,000 Mohs surgeries and specializes in skin cancer treatment, medical dermatology and cosmetic procedures. He earned his medical degree from Yale School of Medicine, where he also completed his dermatology residency and served as chief resident. Recognized consistently as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, he has also been honored by Greenwich Magazine, Westport Magazine, and Connecticut Magazine.