Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan for Michigan, 2009-2015 Goals (2009 - 2015): Skin Cancer
Goal: Reduce melanoma cancer death rates in Michigan.
Data Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.1 More than one million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. Nationwide, it is estimated that between 2,500 and 3,500 people died from non-melanoma skin cancer in 2010. The most serious form of skin cancer is melanoma, which is expected to be diagnosed in approximately 70,230 Americans in 2011, with an expected 8,790 to die from the disease.2
In 2007, 1,925 Michigan men and women were newly diagnosed with melanoma, and 260 died from the disease in 2008. During 2007, 75.1 percent of all newly diagnosed cases of melanoma skin cancer in Michigan were detected at the localized stage.3 Factors that increase an individual’s risk of developing skin cancer include:
excessive exposure to sunlight and other forms of ultraviolet (UV) radiation (e.g., tanning booths);
fair complexion;
occupational exposure to coal, tar, paraffin, or arsenic;
family history of skin cancer;
severe sunburns as a child; and
multiple or atypical nevi (moles).
The best way to lower the risk of skin cancer is to limit exposure to the sun (and other sources of UV light), particularly during the midday hours when the sun is strongest. Long-sleeved clothing and hats are recommended for outdoors activities. For sun-exposed areas, sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and sunglasses with 99 percent to100 percent UV absorption should be used. Protection is equally important during childhood, since severe sunburns in childhood may be associated with an increased risk of developing melanoma late in life.
The potential for exposure to UV radiation is significant in Michigan due to high participation in outdoor activities. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:
Michigan has more than 931,000 registered watercraft (third in the nation) and more than 390,000 registered snowmobiles (first in the nation).
More than two million anglers fish Michigan waters each year.
Michigan’s 98 state parks and recreation areas welcomed more than 23 million visitors in 2008, including more than four million campers.4
Indoor tanning is a booming business in the United States, generating estimated revenues in excess of $2 billion a year.5 Most salons use bulbs in their tanning beds that emit a significant amount of UVB and UVA radiation, both of which are associated with the development of skin cancer and premature aging. The Department of Health and Human Services has added UV radiation from the sun or artificial light sources, such as tanning beds and sun lamps, to the government’s list of known carcinogens. Currently, there is no regulation or proposed legislation in Michigan limiting the use of tanning booths by minors.6
Skin Cancer Health Disparities Data
Caucasians are much more likely than African Americans to develop nonmelanoma skin cancer and melanoma.2
Men are twice as likely as women to have basal cell cancers and three times as likely to have squamous cell cancers of the skin.2
2 American Cancer Society. Available online at www.cancer.org.
3 Michigan Cancer Surveillance Program, 2008 Michigan Cancer Death Public
Use File & 2007 Michigan Cancer Incidence Public Use File. Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Division for Vital Records & Health Statistics.
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