New Survey Reveals Americans Know Skin Cancer Is Preventable, Yet Many Aren't Taking Action

A new survey from the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) found that while four out of five survey respondents (80%) are concerned about skin cancer and feel it is important to protect themselves, more than half (54%) have never been screened for skin cancer by a health care provider and nearly one-quarter (23%) never examine their own skin for changes to moles and other blemishes. These results have served as a call to action for dermatologists to teach their neighbors to Be Sun Smart(TM) and provide free skin cancer screenings in their communities.
"The 'RAYS: Your Grade' survey results showed that while many people are concerned and knowledgeable about skin cancer, they are not taking proper precautions to protect themselves," said dermatologist Diane R. Baker, MD, FAAD, president of the Academy. "The Academy's members are committed to educating the public about this important health issue and providing the services necessary to help detect skin cancer. Our goal is to reduce the incidence and mortality of this largely preventable condition."

More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year. Fortunately, when detected in its earliest stages, skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is highly treatable.

Through the Academy's National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Screening Program, each year nearly 2,000 dermatologists provide free skin cancer screenings in local communities and teach people how to conduct skin self-examinations. Since 1985, dermatologists have screened more than 1.7 million people at no cost and detected more than 171,200 suspicious lesions, including approximately 20,000 suspected melanomas.