David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Dramatic rise in skin cancer incidence in U.S.
CTV News
April 3, 2012
A study published today from the Mayo Clinic reports an alarming trend: the dramatic rise of skin cancer, especially among people under 40.
The incidence of melanoma- the most worrisome of all skin cancers- has escalated, and young women are the hardest hit according to these researchers.
There data reports an even higher incidence than the National Cancer Institute had reported using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Result database, and in particular, a dramatic rise in women in their 20s and 30s.
Researchers conducted a population-based study using records from the Rochester Epidemiology Project, a decades-long database of all patient care in Olmsted County, Minn. They looked for first-time diagnoses of melanoma in patients 18 to 39 from 1970 to 2009.
The study found the incidence of melanoma increased eightfold among young women and fourfold among young men. The lifetime risk of melanoma is higher in males than females, but the opposite is true in young adults and adolescents according to their data.
Researchers also found mortality rates from the disease have improved over the years, likely due to early detection of skin cancer and prompt medical care.
The researchers speculate that the use of indoor tanning beds is a key culprit in the rising cancer rate in young women.
Studies have reported that people who use indoor tanning beds frequently are 74 per cent more likely to develop melanoma, and we know young women are more likely to use them than young men according to this report.
In Canada, data support the observation that women in their 20's and 30's more often get melanoma than men and this has been consistently true over time. This is in contrast to all ages combined, for which men have a higher incidence.
We also know that changes in our ozone layer are contributing to our exposure to ultraviolet radiation. First observed in 1985, the decay in the layer is allowing more UV rays to reach the earth surface. There has been at least a 7 per cent increase in UVB reaching Canada over the past 20 years. A 1per cent decrease in ozone results in 2 per cent rise in cases of skin cancer.
Since it takes 10-20 years to develop skin cancer, these extra new cases will only be seen in the next century.
What is UVA and UVB?
UVA constitutes 93% of sunlight rays and penetrates skin deeper than UVB. It permanently damages skin. Tanning salons emit 2-5 times more UVA than is found in natural sunlight.
UVB is only 7 per cent of sunlight rays and also permanently damages skin.
Skin cancer in epidemic proportions in North America.
Melanoma in Canada according to our most recent stats will see 5,500 new cases with 3,100 men and 2,500 women (13/100,000 total, 15/100,000 men) being affected.
Melanoma is the 7th most common cancer in Canada.
One in 7 people risk a non-melanoma skin cancer during their lifetime. The breakdown is roughly
To monitor your skin we think of the ABCs of skin care.
Risk factors for melanoma include:
Malignant Melanoma has clearly seen increases.
The key message here is to PREVENT SUN DAMAGE. Never use a tanning bed. Make sure you avoid the sun!
Shade, clothing, hat with a large brim, sunscreens – lotions which block or absorb the sun rays and protect skin are critical. Apply 15 – 30 minutes before going outside.
CTV News
April 3, 2012
A study published today from the Mayo Clinic reports an alarming trend: the dramatic rise of skin cancer, especially among people under 40.
The incidence of melanoma- the most worrisome of all skin cancers- has escalated, and young women are the hardest hit according to these researchers.
There data reports an even higher incidence than the National Cancer Institute had reported using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Result database, and in particular, a dramatic rise in women in their 20s and 30s.
Researchers conducted a population-based study using records from the Rochester Epidemiology Project, a decades-long database of all patient care in Olmsted County, Minn. They looked for first-time diagnoses of melanoma in patients 18 to 39 from 1970 to 2009.
The study found the incidence of melanoma increased eightfold among young women and fourfold among young men. The lifetime risk of melanoma is higher in males than females, but the opposite is true in young adults and adolescents according to their data.
Researchers also found mortality rates from the disease have improved over the years, likely due to early detection of skin cancer and prompt medical care.
The researchers speculate that the use of indoor tanning beds is a key culprit in the rising cancer rate in young women.
Studies have reported that people who use indoor tanning beds frequently are 74 per cent more likely to develop melanoma, and we know young women are more likely to use them than young men according to this report.
In Canada, data support the observation that women in their 20's and 30's more often get melanoma than men and this has been consistently true over time. This is in contrast to all ages combined, for which men have a higher incidence.
We also know that changes in our ozone layer are contributing to our exposure to ultraviolet radiation. First observed in 1985, the decay in the layer is allowing more UV rays to reach the earth surface. There has been at least a 7 per cent increase in UVB reaching Canada over the past 20 years. A 1per cent decrease in ozone results in 2 per cent rise in cases of skin cancer.
Since it takes 10-20 years to develop skin cancer, these extra new cases will only be seen in the next century.
What is UVA and UVB?
UVA constitutes 93% of sunlight rays and penetrates skin deeper than UVB. It permanently damages skin. Tanning salons emit 2-5 times more UVA than is found in natural sunlight.
UVB is only 7 per cent of sunlight rays and also permanently damages skin.
Skin cancer in epidemic proportions in North America.
Melanoma in Canada according to our most recent stats will see 5,500 new cases with 3,100 men and 2,500 women (13/100,000 total, 15/100,000 men) being affected.
Melanoma is the 7th most common cancer in Canada.
One in 7 people risk a non-melanoma skin cancer during their lifetime. The breakdown is roughly
- 80 per cent - Basal Cell Carcinoma
- 16 per cent - Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- 4 per cent - Malignant Melanoma
To monitor your skin we think of the ABCs of skin care.
- Asymmetry - one half unlike the other half
- Borders - irregular or scalloped edges
- Colour - different colours or shades of colours - can be white, red, black, or brown
- Diameter - larger than 6 mm
- Evidence – evidence of any change
Risk factors for melanoma include:
- Genetic
- Family history
- Sun exposure
- Fair skinned individuals
- History of severe sunburns
- Dysplastic nevi
Malignant Melanoma has clearly seen increases.
- Risk in 1930 - 1 / 1500
- Risk in 2001 - 1 / 115
The key message here is to PREVENT SUN DAMAGE. Never use a tanning bed. Make sure you avoid the sun!
Shade, clothing, hat with a large brim, sunscreens – lotions which block or absorb the sun rays and protect skin are critical. Apply 15 – 30 minutes before going outside.
