• Melanoma represents only 4% of all skin cancers in the U.S., but accounts for more than 75% of all skin cancer deaths.
  
• More than one million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed every year in the U.S.
  
• Although exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays is said to be the most important factor in the cause of skin cancers, about 70% of American adults don't use sun-protection measures.
  
• Most skin cancers appear after age 50, but skin damage from the sun begins at an early age. Therefore, protection should start in childhood to prevent skin cancer later in life.
  
• Melanoma incidence rates are 20 times higher for Caucasians than for African-Americans. However, people with dark-pigmented skin can also develop melanoma, particularly on the palms of the hands, on the soles of the feet, under the nails, and inside the mouth.
  
• Melanoma is more common than any non-skin cancer among women between 25 and 29 years old.
  
• Both basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas have a 95% cure rate when detected and treated early.

*Quick Facts have been reviewed by Medical Advisors and are current as of October 2005.