Millions of Americans are treated for different types of skin cancers every year.
According to recent data from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s Health of America report, skin cancer affects 4.3 percent of BCBS members (including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma and other uncommon skin cancers).
By taking the skin cancer diagnosis rate found in the study and extrapolating it to 216 million privately insured people counted by the U.S. Census Bureau, BCBS estimates that 9 million privately insured people in the United States are living with a skin cancer diagnosis.
To come up with the following list, we combined that data with the most current information available from the Centers for Disease Control, looking at melanoma rates in all 50 states. While melanoma isn’t the most prevalent of skin cancers, it is the most deadly, so we wanted to make special note of it.
Before you click through, remember: If you’re worried about skin cancer or any moles or blemishes on your skin, see a dermatologist. At the end of the slideshow, there’s a list of useful resources to learn more about skin cancer.
Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
Alabama
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 4.7
According to the CDC, “In Alabama in 2015, there were 1,261 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 22 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 143 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Alabama, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Alaska
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 3.1
According to the CDC, “In Alaska in 2015, there were 79 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 12 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 17 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Alaska, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Arizona
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 5
According to the CDC, “In Arizona in 2015, there were 1,879 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 23 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 208 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Arizona, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Arkansas
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 3.5
According to the CDC, “In Arkansas in 2015, there were 770 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 22 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 92 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Arkansas, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
California
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 3.9
According to the CDC, “In California in 2015, there were 9,549 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 23 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 941 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in California, 2 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Colorado
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 5
According to the CDC, “In Colorado in 2015, there were 1,239 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 21 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 175 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Colorado, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Connecticut
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 5.6
According to the CDC, “In Connecticut in 2015, there were 883 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 21 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 90 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Connecticut, 2 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Delaware
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 4.8
According to the CDC, “In Delaware in 2015, there were 346 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 30 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 37 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Delaware, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Washington, DC
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 5.8
According to the CDC, “In [the] District of Columbia in 2015, there were 52 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 8 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were [fewer than] 16 people who died of Melanomas of the skin in [the] District of Columbia.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Florida
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 7.1
According to the CDC, “In Florida in 2015, there were 6,484 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 24 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 752 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Florida, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Georgia
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 4.7
According to the CDC, “In Georgia in 2015, there were 2,868 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 27 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 231 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Georgia, 2 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Hawaii
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 1.8
According to the CDC, “In Hawaii in 2015, there were 399 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 23 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 33 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Hawaii, 2 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Idaho
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 4
According to the CDC, “In Idaho in 2015, there were 500 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 28 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 67 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Idaho, 4 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Illinois
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 3.8
According to the CDC, “In Illinois in 2015, there were 2,917 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 21 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 312 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Illinois, 2 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Indiana
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 3.1
According to the CDC, “In Indiana in 2015, there were 1,513 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 21 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 202 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Indiana, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Iowa
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 4
According to the CDC, “In Iowa in 2015, there were 955 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 27 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 93 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Iowa, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Kansas
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 3.5
According to the CDC, “In Kansas in 2015, there were 804 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 25 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 105 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Kansas, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Kentucky
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 4.7
According to the CDC, “In Kentucky in 2015, there were 1,366 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 27 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 160 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Kentucky, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Louisiana
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 3.8
According to the CDC, “In Louisiana in 2015, there were 958 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 19 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 92 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Louisiana, 2 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Maine
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 3.9
According to the CDC, “In Maine in 2015, there were 484 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 28 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 43 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Maine, 2 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Maryland
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 5.3
According to the CDC, “In Maryland in 2015, there were 1,733 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 26 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 121 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Maryland, 2 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Massachusetts
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 5
According to the CDC, “In Massachusetts in 2015, there were 1,440 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 18 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 194 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Massachusetts, 2 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Michigan
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 3.7
According to the CDC, “In Michigan in 2015, there were 2,327 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 20 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 293 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Michigan, 2 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Minnesota
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 3.1
According to the CDC, “In Minnesota in 2015, there were 1,946 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 32 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 153 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Minnesota, 2 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Mississippi
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 2.7
According to the CDC, “In Mississippi in 2015, there were 514 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 16 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 85 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Mississippi, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Missouri
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 3.5
According to the CDC, “In Missouri in 2015, there were 1,396 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 20 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 203 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Missouri, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Montana
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 4
According to the CDC, “In Montana in 2015, there were 317 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 25 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 25 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Montana, 2 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Nebraska
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 3.4
According to the CDC, “In Nebraska in 2015, there were 523 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 26 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 65 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Nebraska, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Nevada
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 3.3
According to the CDC, “In Nevada in 2015, there were 372 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 12 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 86 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Nevada, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
New Hampshire
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 4.4
According to the CDC, “In New Hampshire in 2015, there were 510 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 32 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 48 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in New Hampshire, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
New Jersey
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 4.7
According to the CDC, “In New Jersey in 2015, there were 2,354 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 22 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 227 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in New Jersey, 2 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
New Mexico
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 3.2
According to the CDC, “In New Mexico in 2015, there were 398 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 16 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 73 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in New Mexico, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
New York
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 5
According to the CDC, “In New York in 2015, there were 4,049 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 18 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 393 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in New York, 2 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
North Carolina
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 5.2
According to the CDC, “In North Carolina in 2015, there were 3,069 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 27 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 288 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in North Carolina, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
North Dakota
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 2.8
According to the CDC, “In North Dakota in 2015, there were 201 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 26 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 20 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in North Dakota, 2 died of Melanomas of the skin.
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Ohio
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 3.9
According to the CDC, “In Ohio in 2015, there were 3,437 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 25 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 357 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Ohio, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Oklahoma
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 2.6
According to the CDC, “In Oklahoma in 2015, there were 924 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 22 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 121 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Oklahoma, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Oregon
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 4.3
According to the CDC, “In Oregon in 2015, there were 1,260 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 26 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 135 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Oregon, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Pennsylvania
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 4.3
According to the CDC, “In Pennsylvania in 2015, there were 4,032 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 26 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 410 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Pennsylvania, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Rhode Island
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 5.3
According to the CDC, “In Rhode Island in 2015, there were 303 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 24 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 31 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Rhode Island, 2 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
South Carolina
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 4.4
According to the CDC, “In South Carolina in 2015, there were 1,293 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 23 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 134 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in South Carolina, 2 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
South Dakota
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 4
According to the CDC, “In South Dakota in 2015, there were 231 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 24 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 24 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in South Dakota, 2 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Tennessee
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 4.5
According to the CDC, “In Tennessee in 2015, there were 1,669 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 22 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 245 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Tennessee, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Texas
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 3.2
According to the CDC, “In Texas in 2015, there were 3,458 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 13 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 504 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Texas, 2 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Utah
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 3.3
According to the CDC, “In Utah in 2015, there were 1,057 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 41 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 73 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Utah, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Vermont
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 5.3
According to the CDC, “In Vermont in 2015, there were 288 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 36 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 27 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Vermont, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Virginia
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 5
According to the CDC, “In Virginia in 2015, there were 1,720 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 19 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 233 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Virginia, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Washington
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 4
According to the CDC, “In Washington in 2015, there were 2,098 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 26 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 230 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Washington, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
West Virginia
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 4.5
According to the CDC, “In West Virginia in 2015, there were 474 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 21 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 78 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in West Virginia, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Wisconsin
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 2.9
According to the CDC, “In Wisconsin in 2015, there were 1,590 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 24 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 195 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Wisconsin, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Wyoming
Percentage of residents with skin cancer: 3.9
According to the CDC, “In Wyoming in 2015, there were 153 new cases of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people, 23 Melanomas of the skin cases were reported. The same year, there were 18 people who died of Melanomas of the skin. For every 100,000 people in Wyoming, 3 died of Melanomas of the skin.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control.
Skin Cancer Resources
- The National Cancer Institute’s guide to skin cancer
- The Skin Cancer Foundation’s guide to skin cancer prevention
- The American Academy of Dermatology’s guide to the different types of skin cancer
- The Melanoma Research Foundation’s facts about sunscreen
- The Mayo Clinic’s guide to the symptoms and causes of melanoma
- The America Cancer Society’s skin cancer image gallery
This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
