How common is skin cancer?

Skin cancer affects people worldwide. About 70% to 90% of all skin cancers are basal cell cancers, and about 10% to 30% are squamous cell cancers.¹

Skin cancer primarily affects:

• People with fair skin. White people have a much higher risk of developing skin cancer than dark-skinned African Americans.
• Adults, but it can affect children.
• People who have a history of extensive sun exposure or sunburns, especially in childhood.
• People who have had constant sun exposure during work or play.
• People who have a history of skin cancer. Between 35% and 50% of people diagnosed with one basal cell cancer develop a new skin cancer within 5 years.
• Men more than women. Men are twice as likely to have basal cell cancer and three times as likely to have squamous cell cancer.
• People who smoke more than nonsmokers. Smokers have an increased risk for squamous cell cancer.

Other factors, such as altitude and distance from the equator, also influence who is affected by skin cancer. For example, Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer, in part because of its location near the equator, where the sun is most intense.

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