Rising Deaths from Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Surpass Melanoma

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) are causing more deaths worldwide than melanoma, according to a study using data from the World Health Organisation. In 2020, NMSC accounted for 78% of all skin cancer cases, resulting in over 63,700 deaths, while melanoma caused an estimated 57,000 fatalities. The study highlights a high incidence of skin cancer in fair-skinned and elderly populations in several countries. Both NMSC and melanoma are primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds. The researchers believe that NMSC may be underreported, suggesting its true impact could be even higher than estimated.