2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 20170

10

20

30

40

50

60

R a t e p e r 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

2 . 0 o r l e s s2 . 1 - 5 . 6 5 . 7 - 1 0 . 11 0 . 2 - 2 1 . 62 1 . 7 o r m o r eN o d a t a

Sunbed use remains common in many countries.

Year of diagnosis1990 1995 2000 2005 2010

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

canceratlas.cancer.org canceratlas.cancer.org

06 RISK FACTORS

No data

FIGURE 6.1

Direct costs of melanoma skin cancers and squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas combined, 2013 Euros (millions)

Melanoma

Squamous and basal cell carcinomas

ULTRAVIOLET RADIATIONSkin cancers are caused by ultraviolet radiation and can be prevented by sun protection and banning sunbeds.

FIGURE 6.3

Age-standardized incidence rates (world) per 100,000, invasive melanoma, persons aged <25 years by sex in Australia and England, 1990–2010

21.7 or more10.2–21.65.7–10.12.1–5.62.0 or less

MAP 6.1

Melanoma skin cancer incidence, age-standardized rate (world) per 100,000, both sexes, 2018

FIGURE 6.2

Sunbed prevalence (%) among females and males across different countries by year of survey since 2009

Female

Male

When the UV Index is 3+, skin can be protected by avoiding outdoor activities in the middle of the day; providing effective shade outdoors; wearing hats, clothing cover and sunglasses; and applying sunscreen of Sun Protection Factor 15+ or higher. In contrast to many European countries, Australia began implementing UV protection campaigns in the 1980s, and rates of melanoma are now decreasing in younger generations. FIGURE 6.3

Skin cancers create a substantial economic burden

in many countries.

Australia

England

Females

Males

€ 613.2 M

€ 422.6 M

€ 235.8 M

€ 149.1 M

€ 75.5 M

€ 66.0 M

€ 54.7 M

€ 34.0 M

€ 32.1 M

61.5%

7.5%

Rates of melanoma are decreasing in young

people in Australia.

ACCESS CREATES PROGRESS

A majority of skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Keratinocyte skin cancers (basal cell and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas) are the most common human cancers with over 13 million cases estimated each year worldwide. While rarely fatal, keratinocyte cancers cause substantial burdens of morbidity and cosmetic concern (most occur on the face). Melanoma is a more fatal form of skin cancer with about 69,000 deaths and 350,000 cases annually worldwide. In many countries skin cancers pose a significant economic burden due to their sheer numbers and the high cost of treatment for metastatic melanoma. FIGURE 6.1

UV radiation comes from the sun, filtered by stratospheric ozone. The UV Index measures the intensity of sunburn-causing UV reaching the Earth’s surface on a scale of 1 (low) to 11+ (extreme) and varies with latitude, altitude, time of day and year, cloud cover, and air pollution. In summer, the UV Index averages around 12 in Bangkok, Thailand (14°N); 9 in Sydney, Australia (34°S); 8 in New York, USA (41°N); 7 in Berlin, Germany (52°N) and 5 in St Petersburg, Russia (60° N). Cosmetic tanning devices also emit UV radiation, often stronger than summer sun, and are classified as human carcinogens; however, their use remains high, particularly in Europe and North America. FIGURE 6.2 Banning these devices brings potentially high savings of lives and costs.

Inherited risk factors for skin cancer, such as light skin and red hair, and having freckles and moles, influence the effects of ambient UV and occupational and recreational sun exposure. Skin cancer is rare in people with innately dark skin. Risk is higher with high UV exposure in childhood.

United States

Australia

Germany

United Kingdom

Brazil

Sweden

Canada

Denmark

New Zealand

Over 90% of skin cancers could be prevented by use

of sun protection.

copyright © 2019 the american cancer society, inc.

There is no such thing as a healthy tan.

— World Health Organization“