Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70
Roughly 3.3 million Americans will receive a nonmelanoma skin cancer diagnosis each year
Of the approximately 1.1 million people in Iowa age 50 and older, an estimated 32,137 people will be diagnosed and 54,633 skin cancers will require treatment.
Many of those diagnosed have more than one skin cancer, so in total 5.6 million nonmelanoma skin cancers will require treatment
Roughly 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with sun exposure
Basal Cell Carcinoma, often referred to as “BCC” is the most common form of skin cancer
Squamous Cell Carcinoma, often referred to as “SCC” is the second most common form of skin cancer

Waterloo (Black Hawk County): An estimated 1,528 people in Black Hawk County will be diagnosed with NMSC in 2024. (2,598 cases)
Waverly (Bremer County): An estimated 215 people in Bremer County will be diagnosed with NMSC in 2024. (366 cases)
Independence (Buchanan County): An estimated 193 people in Independence County will be diagnosed with NMSC in 2024. (328 cases)
Hiawatha (Linn County): An estimated 2,089 people in Linn County will be diagnosed with NMSC in 2024. (3,551 cases)
Grundy Center (Grundy County): An estimated 116 people in Grundy County will be diagnosed with NMSC in 2024. (198 cases)

Wear sunblock outside
- The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends wearing a water-resistant sunscreen of 30 SPF (sun protection factor) on all skin unprotected by clothing.
Wear sunglasses
- Choose sunglasses that offer both UVA and UVB protection (often listed on labels on the sunglasses)- your eyes need protection too!
Wear a wide-brimmed hat
- This will help ensure your ears, neck and face are protected.
Wear shoes that protect your feet
- While we all love to wear our fun summer shoes, the feet on our skin are just as susceptible to skin cancer as the rest of our bodies. Wearing protective shoes is a great way to shield your skin from the sun. Should you choose to wear shoes that expose a lot of your skin to harmful UV rays, be sure to apply sunblock to those areas as well.
Seek shade
- Peak sun exposure hours are from 10AM-4PM. Seeking shade during these hours helps to further protect your skin from the sun.

Schedule a skin exam at your local dermatology office! Skin experts such as Dermatologists, Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners specializing in skin (dermatology) are a great resource to consult. Even if you don’t have any concerning spots, it is always best to get a skin exam for peace of mind and stay up to date on your skin’s health.