Skin cancer is often seen as a disease of later life, not a concern during youth or young adulthood, when sun exposure feels harmless. Yet those hours in the sun accumulate, especially without precautions.
Tanning bed use also significantly raises risk. Simply put, no age group is immune to skin cancer.*
How Common Is Skin Cancer?
Look at the numbers to see the scope. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US. About one in five Americans will get skin cancer by age 70. This number stresses the importance of awareness and early prevention.
When people ask, “How common is skin cancer?” the answer is clear—it’s incredibly common, and it affects millions of people each year. While the average age for skin cancer diagnoses tends to skew older, cases in younger individuals are not as rare as many assume.
The Average Age for Skin Cancer—and Why It Varies
There is no one average age for skin cancer. Different types and populations show different trends.
Men over 50 are more likely to get melanoma. Women under 50 are more likely than men their age to get it. Risk does not rise just with age; behavior and exposure play roles.
When looking at age and skin cancer more broadly, it becomes clear that risk is spread across all stages of life. While older adults may have greater cumulative sun exposure, younger individuals are often engaging in behaviors that increase their risk early in life.
Why Younger Generations Are Still at Risk
One of the biggest misconceptions is that young people don’t need to worry about skin cancer yet. While diagnoses are less common in adolescents and young adults, risk factors often begin much earlier.
A major contributor is the lack of education about skin cancer. Many people grow up without fully recognizing the long-term effects of UV exposure. Without strong messaging about prevention, it’s easy to underestimate the dangers of sunburn or tanning.
Many young people don’t see a dermatologist unless they’re worried. This can delay diagnosis and make treatment harder.
The Role of Tanning Beds
Tanning beds are one of the most significant and preventable risk factors for skin cancer, especially among younger people. Using tanning beds before age 35 increases the risk of melanoma by 35%. That’s a substantial increase tied directly to a single behavior.
Even more concerning is the intensity of exposure. Tanning beds emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation at levels 10 to 15 times stronger than the sun at its peak. This concentrated exposure can cause serious skin damage in a short period of time.
The use of tanning beds is tied to beauty standards that value tanned skin. These pressures lead young people to risk their health for the sake of appearance. Cancer in Younger Populations
Although skin cancer can affect children and teens, it’s rare. Pediatric melanoma makes up about 3% of melanoma cases each year. No age group is exempt. Although skin cancer is less expected in younger patients, it may not be recognized as quickly. This makes skin cancer awareness and education even more critical for parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
Why Early Action Matters
The idea that thinking only older adults get skin cancer can delay prevention and screening. Skin damage often starts years before diagnosis, which is why early action is key. Practicing sun safety, avoiding tanning beds, and scheduling regular skin checks may make a meaningful difference. For individuals who spend significant time outdoors, annual dermatology visits are a smart step.
Schedule an Annual Exam Today
Skin cancer may be diagnosed more often later in life, but the behaviors and exposures that drive risk often start much earlier. Whether it’s teenagers using tanning beds or adults spending hours in the sun without protection, risk accumulates over time.
Improving skin cancer awareness empowers people of all ages to understand their risk and act early. No matter your age, it’s always the right time to protect your skin.
Knowing how common skin cancer is and its link to age helps people make better choices now for healthier futures.
*Medical Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Dermatology Partners is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from reliance on this information.
Sources
American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2025, May 13). Why young adults are facing higher skin cancer risk. Why young adults are facing higher skin cancer risk
Cleveland Clinic. (2023, May 3). Skin cancer. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15818-skin-cancer
The Skin Cancer Foundation. (n.d.). Skin cancer facts & statistics. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/
