According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that over 2 million non-melanoma cancers (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) and 200 000 malignant melanoma cases occur each year worldwide. About 66 000 people die year of these skin cancers.
In the United States alone, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma cause about 8500 deaths yearly (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma deaths 2000, melanoma 6500 deaths). The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has estimated that 74,610 men and women (42,920 men and 31,690 women) were diagnosed with and 11,590 men and women died of cancer of the skin (excl. basal and squamous) in 2009.
The incidence of skin cancer varies with age. From 2002-2006, the median age at diagnosis for cancer of the skin (excl. basal and squamous) was 60 years of age. Ages and percentages of people diagnosed were approximately:
- 0.9% under age 20;
- 7.7% between 20 and 34;
- 12.0% between 35 and 44;
- 18.3% between 45 and 54;
- 19.4% between 55 and 64;
- 17.8% between 65 and 74;
- 17.6% between 75 and 84;
- 6.3% 85+ years of age.