Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. This page brings together current national data that patients, community groups, and writers can reference easily. It is designed for context, not for personal diagnosis. If you have noticed a new, changing, bleeding, or non-healing spot, SkinMD’s skin cancer care team can help with a thoughtful evaluation.
Key statistics at a glance
112,000
Estimated new melanoma cases in 2026
The American Cancer Society projects about 65,400 cases in men and 46,600 in women.
American Cancer Society, 20268,510
Estimated melanoma deaths in 2026
This estimate includes about 5,500 deaths in men and 3,010 in women.
American Cancer Society, 202694.7%
Five-year relative survival
This national melanoma survival figure is based on people diagnosed from 2016 through 2022.
National Cancer Institute, 2016–20222.2%
Lifetime risk of melanoma
About 2.2% of people are expected to be diagnosed with melanoma during their lifetime, based on 2021–2023 data.
National Cancer Institute, 2021–20231.57 million
People living with melanoma in 2023
The National Cancer Institute estimates 1,573,288 people in the United States were living with melanoma of the skin.
National Cancer Institute, 20236.1 million
Adults treated each year
CDC estimates about 6.1 million adults receive treatment for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas annually.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026What these numbers mean
Melanoma is only one type of skin cancer, but it is the form tracked most consistently in national cancer registries. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are not routinely counted by those registries because they are so common. That difference matters when comparing figures: melanoma statistics can be reported as new cases, survival, and prevalence, while other common skin cancers are often described through treatment estimates.
National numbers describe large groups, not an individual patient’s likelihood or outcome. Age, personal history, family history, skin type, sun exposure, immune status, and the features of a specific spot can all affect what care is appropriate. A professional examination is the right next step when something on your skin has changed.
Why early attention matters
The data show both the scale of skin cancer in the United States and the progress made in melanoma outcomes. The national five-year relative survival figure is encouraging, but it does not replace an evaluation for a concerning change. A spot that is new, evolving, bleeding, itchy, painful, or not healing deserves attention. If you are unsure, it is reasonable to ask for an exam rather than trying to interpret a statistic on your own.
SkinMD provides skin cancer evaluation, treatment, and Mohs surgery in Weatherford. Patients who notice a concern can call for an appointment and get clear guidance about the next step.
Sources and methodology
Last updated: October 7, 2026. Statistics on this page are drawn directly from national public health and cancer surveillance sources. Each figure is labeled with the source and data year or reporting period used by that source. Estimates for 2026 are projections, while survival, risk, and prevalence figures reflect the historical periods noted with each statistic.
- American Cancer Society, Key Statistics for Melanoma Skin Cancer, accessed October 7, 2026. Source date: August 12, 2026.
- National Cancer Institute, Cancer Stat Facts: Melanoma of the Skin, accessed October 7, 2026. Source date: 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Skin Cancer Statistics, accessed October 7, 2026. Source date: June 17, 2026.
Cite this page: SkinMD. “Skin Cancer Statistics: U.S. Data and Facts for 2026.” Updated October 7, 2026. https://skinmdonline.com/skin-cancer-statistics
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