The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Latest Stats Raise Concerns
Along the heels of the American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2025 data this month, The Skin Cancer Foundation has updated its Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics. And, the numbers are scary.
The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Latest Stats: Melanoma Cases Rise
It’s estimated that the number of new melanoma cases diagnosed in 2025 will increase by 5.9 percent. To break it down, an estimated 212,200 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the United States this year. 104,960 of these cases will be invasive, penetrating the epidermis into the skin’s second layer (the dermis).
While the uptick isn’t positive, it follows the trend the Foundation saw during the past decade. From 2015 to 2025, the number of new invasive cases diagnosed annually increased by 42 percent, according to the report.
The number of melanoma deaths is also expected to increase by 1.7 percent in 2025. An estimated 8,430 people will die of the disease this year. Of that number, 5,470 will be men, and 2,960 will be women.
The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that the total number of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) diagnosed annually in the U.S. is 5.4 million. (It is important to note that cases of NMSC are not required to be registered in the same manner as cases of melanoma. Estimates are established through a different method.)
Another fact: Skin cancer remains the most common cancer Americans face. However, the disease is highly preventable with a sun protection strategy. Individuals should seek shade, apply daily sunscreen and cover up with clothing, hats and sunglasses.
The Skin Cancer Foundation pinpoints several cultural trends that might contribute to the continued rise of cases, including claims made on social media, not backed by medical science, that encourage unprotected sun exposure, lack of awareness, or potentially, healthcare access among specific demographics regarding their risks for developing melanoma and lack of sun protection support for outdoor workers.
