How Colorado's melanoma cases compare nationwide

Melanoma cases in Colorado may be lower than the national average , but many people here are still being diagnosed with the disease at a rapid rate.

Why it matters: Although melanoma accounts for about 1% of skin cancers nationwide, it's responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

By the numbers: Colorado's rate of new cases is approximately 21 per 100,000 people each year, in comparison to 23 cases nationally.

• ACS estimates that across the country about 100,640 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in 2024.

Zoom in: Melanoma cases are highest in El Paso, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties, according to Colorado Central Cancer Registry data from 2000 to 2020.

The big picture: Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type in the U.S.​

• New cases of melanoma rose 2-3% annually between 2015 and 2019, Axios' Tina Reed reports.
• The ACS estimates that new cancer diagnoses of all types in Colorado are expected to hit 29,430 this year — up from 28,290 in 2023.

What they're saying: "People who get periodically sunburnt frequently tend to have a higher risk of developing melanoma," says Henry Lim, dermatologist at Henry Ford Health in Detroit and former president of American Academy of Dermatology.

• And sun exposure has a clear connection to basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers.

Yes, but: "More sun exposure" isn't the only possible reason for the uptick in melanoma diagnoses.

• Other factors: More effective skin cancer detection and the fact that many Americans are living longer, says Shanthi Sivendran, ACS senior vice president of cancer care support.

Threat level: Using sunscreen is helpful for preventing skin cancer, but experts say it shouldn't be the only thing you do.

• Wearing protective clothing like a hat or UV-blocking shirt, and staying in the shade also make a difference.

Go deeper: How to pick a "safe" sunscreen