Rising Deaths: Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Surpasses Melanoma

Non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are now responsible for more deaths worldwide than melanoma due to their higher prevalence. In 2020, there were nearly 1.2 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer compared to 324,635 cases of melanoma. Although non-melanoma skin cancers are less deadly than melanomas, their high incidence rates contribute to a higher number of deaths. Factors such as the aging population and depletion of the ozone layer contribute to the increasing rates. Increasing awareness campaigns and regular dermatologist check-ups are recommended for early detection and prevention. Treatment options include excision, Mohs surgery, curettage and electrodesiccation, cryosurgery, and topical creams.