MELANOMA STATS & FACTS

The leading cause of melanoma is the over exposure to ultroviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources. Exposed human skin can tan or burn – both are signs of damage to the underlying cells. A burn, in particular, is a marker of extensive damage that normal DNA repair mechanisms may not be able to repair. Sunburn at any age is an indicator of UVR overexposure (generally intermittent exposure) and increases the risk of skin cancer, particularly of melanoma. The rate of melanoma skin cancer is still increasing although this is a largely preventable cancer.

Melanoma Facts

• Melanoma is a very serious and potentially deadly form of skin cancer and is one of the few cancers with incidence rates on the rise.
• The survival rate for melanoma is high if it is detected early and unlike many cancers, melanoma is often clearly visible on the skin.
• Melanoma can affect anyone regardless of sex, age or race.
• The leading cause of melanoma is overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources (tanning beds, sunlamps) [1].
• A single blistering sunburn before the age of 20 increases the risk of developing melanoma later in life.
• One indoor tanning session can increase the risk of skin cancer (Ontario Sun Safety Working Group)
• UV exposure can lead to skin damage such as early wrinkling and photoaging [2].

• UV-emitting tanning devices are now also classified as carcinogenic to humans based on their association with skin and ocular melanoma cancers [3].

Melanoma Stats

• Melanoma is one of the most common cancer types found in young adults aged 15-29[4] and 30-49 [4].
• Melanoma is the 7th most commonly diagnosed cancers in Canada [4].
• In 2021, approximately 8,700 (4,700 males, and 4,000 females) Canadians were diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer. This is an increase of 8.5% from 2020
• In 2020, 1,240 Canadians died from melanoma. (790 males, and 450 females)
• According to World Health Organization (WHO) 85% of melanomas among Canadian men and women aged 30+ years are attributed to UV radiation exposure. [5]
• Early exposure to tanning beds can increase a person’s chance of developing melanoma by up to 75%. [6]
• Artificial tanning devices emit 15x the amount of UV rays as from sun exposure [7]
• Outdoor workers are up to 2.5 to 3.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with skin cancers (Ontario Sun Safety Working Group)

Impact of COVID-19

• In Canada 1,999 melanomas undiagnosed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. [gc]

A Global survey of over 700 dermatologists estimates 21% of early-stage melanoma undiagnosed due to 33% of professional skin-check appointments missed during COVID lockdowns.

Non Melanoma Skin Cancer Stats

• Over 80,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in Canada each year
• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)  is the most common type of skin cancer, making up about 75% of all non-melanoma skin cancers diagnosed.
• The leading cause of skin cancer is overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation

Melanoma is on the Rise

In males, the incidence rate for melanoma has increased steadily at about 2.2% per year since 1984. In females, the incidence rate for melanoma was stable from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, but it began increasing after 1994 (2.0%). Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation through sunlight, tanning beds and sun lamps is a well established risk factor for melanoma.(23) Other risk factors include having a fair complexion, the number and type of moles, personal and family history of skin cancer, a weakened immune system and a history of severe blistering sunburns.

Annual Percentage of Change for Melanoma Incidence Rates

males: 2.2%
females: 2.0%

Projected deaths from melanoma by gender, Canada, 2021
790 males
450 females

Lifetime Probability of dying from melanoma by gender, Canada, 2019
1 in 211 males
1 in 479 females

Melanoma is one of the most common cancer deaths for youth aged 15-29 and young adults 30-49. It accounts for 4% of all cancer deaths for both age categories.

Mortality Rates

Although melanoma rates are on the rise. we’ve seen a decrease of percentage in mortality rates. These decreases have largely been attributed to the introduction of improved drug therapies and early diagnosis, as well as the implementation of awareness programs.

Annual Percentage of Change for Melanoma Mortality Rates

males: -2.6%
females: -4.9%

Predicted 5 Year Net Survival, Canada (2015-2017)
86%  males
92% females

Predicted 10 Year Net Survival, Canada (2015-2017)
82%  males
90% females

Melanoma 5 year net survival rate by age (2015-2017) *excluding Quebec
(15-44) 95%        (45-54) 94%
(55-64) 91%        (65-74) 90%
(75-84) 83%        (85-99) 75%

Learn How to Detect Melanoma 

Learn the ABCDE’s of melanoma

Tanning Beds are Dangerous

In 2009, WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified exposure to UV-emitting tanning devices as carcinogenic to humans.

Skin Check Reminder