By Russell R. Barksdale, Jr.
When we think of cancer, our minds often gravitate toward those that dominate public discourse—breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal. These cancers receive widespread media attention, funding, and advocacy. Yet quietly, persistently, and with alarming frequency, skin cancer claims the title of the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. Skin isn’t surprisingly your largest organ.
This reality is both surprising and sobering. Surprising, because skin cancer receives relatively little of the public spotlight; sobering, because it is also among the most preventable forms of the disease.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), more than 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Over a lifetime, one in five individuals in the U.S. will develop some form of skin cancer, making it more prevalent than all other cancers combined. Most of these cases are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)—non-melanoma skin cancers that, while often less aggressive than other types, can cause substantial tissue damage and require surgical intervention.
The deadliest form, melanoma, accounts for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths. Though it constitutes only about 1% of skin cancer diagnoses, melanoma is responsible for over 8,000 deaths annually. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 100,000 new melanoma cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2025 alone.
Part of the surprise surrounding skin cancer’s prevalence stems from its underrepresentation in public dialogue. Unlike other cancers, which are often marked by organized awareness months, ribbons, and public fundraising campaigns, skin cancer remains in the shadows. This invisibility contributes to a general underestimation of its seriousness and scope.
Furthermore, the causes of skin cancer are insidiously mundane. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation—from the sun and artificial sources like tanning beds—is the primary culprit. But sun exposure is often equated with health, vitality, and leisure. Cultural ideals that prize tanned skin persist, despite decades of evidence linking tanning—both outdoor and indoor—to increased cancer risk.
This disconnect between perception and reality fosters a dangerous complacency. The very behaviors most associated with recreation—sunbathing, beachgoing, outdoor sports—are also those most likely to increase UV exposure.
The silver lining, however, is this: the vast majority of skin cancers are preventable. Unlike many other cancers, where genetics and internal risk factors may play a significant role, the steps to reduce your risk of skin cancer are straightforward, actionable, and effective.
1. Sunscreen Is Essential
Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher can dramatically reduce your lifetime risk of developing skin cancer. Apply it to all exposed areas—face, ears, neck, hands—and reapply every two hours when outdoors, or immediately after swimming or sweating.
2. Evaluate the Safety of Tanning Beds
Indoor tanning remains popular, particularly among young adults. Studies show that using a tanning bed before age 35 can substantially increase melanoma risk. No tan is a safe tan; both sunlight and artificial UV rays may cause cumulative damage.
3. Protective Clothing Matters
Long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses serve as physical barriers against harmful rays. Many companies now offer stylish, lightweight clothing with built-in ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) for those who spend extended time outdoors.
4. Know the Sun’s Peak Hours
UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek shade when possible, and be mindful of reflection—water, sand, and even snow can amplify UV exposure.
5. Practice Vigilant Skin Surveillance
Monthly self-examinations can help identify new or changing moles, spots, or lesions. Having a trusted partner check you backside can also be helpful. Use the “ABCDE” rule—Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6mm, and Evolving appearance—to assess concerning areas. Annual skin checks with a board-certified dermatologist are recommended, especially for those with fair skin, numerous moles, or a family history of skin cancer.
As we enter the hot, sunny days of summer, the risks of skin cancer need to come to light. While its non-lethal variants may seem inconsequential compared to more aggressive cancers, the cumulative burden—measured in medical costs, surgical scars, and, in the case of melanoma, lives lost—is substantial.
Just as seatbelts and smoking cessation campaigns reshaped public behavior, so too can sun safety practices become a normalized part of everyday life.
Russell R. Barksdale, Jr., PhD, MPA/MHA, FACHE, serves as President and CEO of Waveny LifeCare Network, a not-for-profit organization based in New Canaan, Connecticut. Waveny provides a comprehensive continuum of senior care services, including independent and assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, home health, hospice, skilled nursing, and community outreach programs.
