New Data Reveals Higher Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Rates in the U.S.

Rise in Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Cases

Data from SkinCure Oncology highlights a concerning trend regarding nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in the United States. According to a new analysis, the annual incidence of NMSC is now estimated to be significantly greater than previously believed, with around 4.7 million Americans diagnosed each year, translating into nearly 6.7 to 7.7 million lesions. This figure marks a staggering 42 percent increase compared to older statistics, which suggested only 3.3 million diagnoses annually.

The Background

For over a decade, healthcare professionals and patient advocates have relied on a statistic that indicated 3.3 million Americans were diagnosed with roughly 5.4 million NMSC lesions per year. However, this data stemmed from a 2012 study, which has now become outdated. SkinCure Oncology’s recent analysis, presented by CEO Kerwin Brandt, calls for a reassessment of these figures and an urgent shift in public discourse and healthcare policy surrounding skin cancer.

Brandt explains that the prior statistics fail to reflect the true scope of the disease, stating, "Those old figures are woefully out of date and grossly understate the true impact of the disease." This new estimation reflects the changing demographics of the U.S., noting that age plays a significant role in the incidence of NMSC, with individuals over 60 constituting 80 percent of cases.

Driving Factors Behind the Increase

To arrive at the new figure of 4.7 million diagnoses, researchers employed several methodologies:
1. Demographic Realities: Since 2012, the population aged 65 and older has increased significantly, by almost 50 percent—from 43.1 million to about 64 million—thus increasing the potential for higher incidence rates of NMSC.
2. Conservative Compound Growth: Analyzing annual growth rates, they assumed a conservative estimate of a 2.5 percent annual increase in cases from the 2006-2012 period, leading to the same 4.7 million figure.
3. Historical Data Support: Data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey indicates that NMSC patient numbers surpassed 4 million over a decade ago, reinforcing the credibility of the updated estimate.
4. Linear Extrapolation: A more aggressive analysis suggests that the number could be as high as 5.9 million if extrapolated based on historical trends.

Call to Action

With these new findings, SkinCure Oncology is advocating for a national registry for NMSC cases. The goal is to encourage comprehensive reporting and insurance reimbursement policies that prioritize early detection and treatment for the millions suffering from skin cancer today. Brandt emphasizes, "The millions of patients dealing with skin cancer today deserve a healthcare system that counts them all and appropriately prioritizes their care."

About SkinCure Oncology

SkinCure Oncology is recognized for its innovative approach to treating skin cancer, particularly through the use of Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IGSRT), commonly referred to as the GentleCure Experience. This advanced treatment is available through partnerships with dermatologists and Mohs surgeons across the nation, having treated over 140,000 patients to date. As patient needs continue to evolve, SkinCure remains committed to providing effective, nonsurgical cancer treatment options, ensuring that all voices in the healthcare community are heard and prioritized.