The Overlooked Threat: More people die of non-Melanoma skin cancers per year than with Melanoma.
Skin cancers like the less familiar ones of basal cell and squamous cell may not be so dangerous because they are not easily spread to other parts of the body. However, a recent study unveiled a startling reality: Melanomas have greater individual lethality than non-melanoma cancers that cause more deaths.
Research Unveils Stark Numbers
At the same time however, presently there is another unpublished research which was presented during 2023 EADV Congress showing that while individuals with non-melanoma develop more cases, their fatality exceeds the lethality of single melanoma case per person. Professor Thierry Passeron (the first author) further insists that although the individual deaths that result from this non- melanoma are not fatal, these cancer cases are very prevalent and lead to a significant overall death toll.
Global Data Strengthens Findings
The International Association for Research on Cancer provides data from the World Health Organization. According to Dr. Passeron, there were about twelve hundred thousand cases of non-melanoma in 2010, representing seventy eight percent of all skin cancers that caused sixty three thousand deaths. Melanoma was also accountable for close to 325,000 skin cancers that led to more than 57,000 deaths. It is important to note that although non–melanoma cancer caused over 6,700 additional deaths, only about 17.5 percent of people with melanoma died while the figure was at five percent for non–melanoma cancer.
The Hidden Threat of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
Dr. Passeron points out that many non-melanoma cancer cases remain undocumented in cancer registry reports. This emphasizes the importance of educating people on every form of skin cancer and not just the melanoma.
Understanding Skin Cancer Types
Melanoma is a single percent contributor in skin cancers and it results from unrestrained melanocytes. Unlike melanomas, non-melanoma cancer arises from non-melanocytes and is more common type as squamous cell cancer as well as basal cell carcinoma.
Skin Cancer Awareness-A call for a comprehensive awareness.
Melanoma-oriented campaigns are superseded by this study to a deeper appreciation of other skin cancer. A dermatologist, Dr Jeffrey Weinburg urges that individuals should be able to distinguish between various types of skin cancer.
They can be treated even with aggressive forms with early detection.
Although some types of non- melanoma skin cancer are fatal, such as merkel cell carcinoma, early diagnosis increases the possibility of cure. As a dermatologist, Dr. Lauren Ploch emphasizes that even the most stubborn types could be cured if caught in their infancy.
Skin Cancer Across Ethnicities
Against presumptions, the research indicates that skin cancer does not only affect the white skins and older people. Dark-skinned people also are involved in this risk, even in countries like Asia or Africa where dark complexion is prevalent. However, Dr. Weinberg reminds us that although blacker skin protect, some risks are inevitable.
Rethinking Sun Protection and Education
The study prompts an appraisal to be done on health awareness programs; and reiterates the fact that individuals with dark skins are also prone to suffer and die due to skin cancer. According to passeron, this should go beyond covering children with fair complexion only but sun protection measures and more education for all skin.
