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2003 Fact SheetSkin Cancer:
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You may also download a PDF version (101K) for Adobe Acrobat Reader. |
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On this page
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The
three major types of skin cancer are the highly curable basal cell and
squamous cell carcinomas and the more serious malignant melanoma. The
American Cancer Society estimates that during 2003, about 1 million new
cases of basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma and about 54,200 new cases
of malignant melanoma will be diagnosed. It is also expected that skin
cancer will claim the lives of approximately 9,800 Americans.
Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays appears to be the most
important environmental factor involved in the development of skin cancer.
When used consistently, sun-protective practices can prevent skin cancer.
UV rays from artificial sources of light, such as tanning beds and
sunlamps, are as dangerous as those from the sun and should also be
avoided. Although both tanning and burning can increase a person's risk
for skin cancer, most Americans do not consistently protect themselves
from UV rays. A recent survey sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) found that approximately 43% of white children under
age 12 had at least one sunburn during the past year.
CDC provides leadership for nationwide efforts to reduce illness and death caused by skin cancer. Although these efforts comprise a variety of approaches and strategies, their common focus is education and prevention. CDC's major approaches to skin cancer prevention and education are described below.
Disseminating Recommendations
To disseminate information about the importance of minimizing UV exposure
during childhood, CDC published "Guidelines for School Programs to
Prevent Skin Cancer" in CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Research
and Recommendations Report. Intended to help state and local
education agencies and schools play a role in reducing unsafe sun
exposure, this publication includes recommendations on
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Who Is at Risk?Although anyone can develop skin cancer, some people are at particular risk. Risk factors include
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The guidelines are available on CDC's Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/mmwr_rr.html.
CDC continues to work with other federal agencies and the independent Task Force on Community Preventive Services to review studies of community-based interventions targeting skin cancer prevention. Recommended interventions are published in the Guide to Community Preventive Services. This publication, available on-line at http://www.thecommunityguide.org,* describes proven strategies that communities can use as they plan and implement programs to prevent skin cancer.
Working with Schools
In January 2002, CDC and the American Cancer Society sponsored "From
Guidelines to Action: Skin Cancer Prevention in Schools," a forum
that included national, state, and local leaders in education, public
health, and skin cancer prevention. Participants shared strategies for
promoting awareness of skin cancer prevention among students, parents,
school administrators, and staff. Building on information shared at this
forum, CDC's Division of Cancer Prevention and Control is developing
communication tools for adaptation by education partners to increase
awareness, formulate policy, and enhance the school environment for skin
cancer prevention.
In April 2002, CDC released the EXCITE Skin Cancer Module, an instructional package designed to help high school students learn about skin cancer epidemiology. The module is part of a collection of teaching materials that introduce students to public health and epidemiology. More information is available at http://www.cdc.gov/excite.
"Fit, Healthy, and Ready to Learn: Part II—Sun Safety" was published by the National Association of State Boards of Education in November 2002. This new addition to the association's school health policy guide is based on CDC's "Guidelines for School Programs to Prevent Skin Cancer." It specifies policies that can be adopted by state education authorities, local school districts, and individual schools to make sun safety a vital, integrated part of coordinated school health programs. The publication addresses broad policy issues and identifies additional sources of information. An executive summary and ordering information can be found at http://www.nasbe.org/HealthySchools/sun_safety.html.*
Collecting Data
CDC supports the collection of information on sun-protection behaviors and
attitudes and is developing monitoring systems to track national trends in
these data. Findings will be used to better target and evaluate skin
cancer prevention efforts. During 2003, CDC's National Health Interview
Survey and a survey conducted through the Behavioral Risk Factor
Surveillance System will include questions about sun-protection behaviors.
Building Partnerships
The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention is an alliance working to
1) increase skin cancer awareness and prevention behaviors in all
populations, particularly those at high risk; 2) develop and support
partnerships that extend and reinforce core messages about behavioral
change; 3) coordinate national efforts to reduce skin cancer incidence and
deaths; and 4) develop a national skin cancer prevention and education
plan. CDC is an active member of this council, as well as a member of the
Federal Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, which promotes sun-protection
behaviors among federal employees, their families, and agency
constituents.
Supporting State Initiatives
CDC has funded health departments in four states (Alabama, Arkansas,
Colorado, and Utah) to implement skin cancer projects. These initiatives
are establishing broad-based coalitions, coordinating surveillance
systems, and developing and disseminating educational programs for the
public and for health care providers.
*Links to non-Federal organizations found at this site are
provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an
endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal
Government, and none should be inferred. The CDC is not responsible for the
content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.
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For more information or additional copies of this document, please contact: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Mail Stop K–64, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, Atlanta, GA 30341–3717 (770) 488-4751 - Voice Information System 1 (888) 842-6355 - Fax (770) 488-4760 cancerinfo@cdc.gov http://www.cdc.gov/cancer This Web site is intended for information only and is not a substitute for medical care or treatment by a qualified professional. Any person who has or might have a health problem should consult a professional health care provider. |
You may also download a PDF version (101K) for Adobe Acrobat Reader
