Is skin cancer a growing threat?

Skin cancer continues to grow in epic proportions. All types of skin cancer, including melanoma, are increasing in incidence each year. In young adults, melanoma is the most commonly diagnosed cancer. In many cases, these skin cancer cases can be prevented by appropriate use of sun screen and avoiding risky sun seeking behaviors, like tanning, whether indoors or out.  If we look at skin cancer incidence over the past 50 years, there would be arguably even an epidemic of skin cancer, as rates have rapidly increased. Some would argue that much if this is due to increased diagnosis, and not truly increased skin cancer numbers, but regardless, the numbers indicate a growing portion of both our younger and more elderly populations are being diagnosed with skin cancer. Billions of dollars are spent every year in treating this mostly preventable cancer.