By the age of 70, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer. It’s the most common form of cancer overall, affecting more than 3 million individuals each year in the United States alone. Whether you’re dealing with melanoma or one of the more common forms of the disease, identifying skin cancer and receiving a positive diagnosis can be a frightening experience.
For many, one question is the first to spring to mind: What is the skin cancer survival rate? Depending on the type of skin cancer, the answer will vary—but early detection will generally ensure a five-year survival rate of 95% or higher. Individuals who would like to get informed on the statistics associated with skin cancer survival rates can learn more with GentleCure today.
Melanoma Skin Cancer Survival Rate
Among the different types of skin cancer, melanoma is one of the less commonly diagnosed. However, it is one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer if left untreated. With the ability to spread rapidly to other parts of the body (metastasize), melanoma can become life-threatening in only six weeks.
The skin cancer survival rate for melanoma is dependent on the stage at the time of diagnosis, with the following statistics reported by the Melanoma Research Alliance:
- Stage 0, I, and II – Five-year survival rate of 98.4%
- Stage III – Five-year survival rate of 63.6%
- Stage IV – Five-year survival rate of 22.5%
The differences in the melanoma skin cancer survival rates seen above can serve as evidence of the importance of annual skin cancer screenings, as well as the importance of seeking treatment promptly following a diagnosis. The good news, according to research from the American Cancer Society, is that advances in the treatment of melanoma have led to a 5.7% decrease in deaths in adults aged 50 and over between the years of 2013 and 2017.
Skin Cancer Survival Rate: Common Forms of the Disease
Basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer are the most frequently diagnosed forms of skin cancer; they are also the most treatable and curable. When basal and squamous cell skin cancers are detected and treated early on, the Skin Cancer Foundation reports a 99% five-year skin cancer survival rate.
This statistic further underscores the importance of scheduling yearly skin cancer screenings with a licensed dermatologist, especially if you’re someone who is at a higher risk of developing skin cancer or who has been diagnosed in the past. The earlier the skin cancer is detected, the sooner you can get treated, and the higher your likelihood of being cured.
Learn More About the Surgery-Free Cure for Common Skin Cancers
If you were diagnosed with basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer, or one of the other common forms of the disease, call 855-222-6858 to speak with a skin cancer information specialist about Image-Guided SRT—a surgery-free cure for many common skin cancers.
Image-Guided SRT uses calibrated, targeted radiotherapy to destroy the cancerous skin cells without leaving a scar or impacting your day-to-day life. Talk to your doctor to find out if Image-Guided SRT is right for you, or call us today to learn more about how this treatment works and what to expect during an appointment.
