Skin Cancer Diagnoses Surge to 4.7 Million Annually, Prompting Calls for National Tracking and Nonsurgical Treatment Awareness

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer in the United States, and new estimates suggest it is far more prevalent than previously believed. According to a new analysis by SkinCure Oncology, approximately 4.7 million Americans are diagnosed with NMSC annually—42 percent more than the long-cited figure of 3.3 million. That translates to nearly 13,000 new diagnoses every day. The updated estimate, reported via (NewsUSA), reflects population growth among older adults, historical increases in diagnoses, and independent federal healthcare survey data.

The previous 3.3 million figure stemmed from research published in 2015 using data collected in 2012. Since then, the U.S. population aged 65 and older has grown nearly 50 percent, reaching roughly 64 million in 2026. Because NMSC disproportionately affects older Americans, this demographic shift has driven a significant rise in cases. The two most common forms of NMSC are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. While highly treatable when detected early, the disease can cause significant tissue damage, disfigurement, and, in some cases, life-threatening complications.

“Skin cancer deserves far more attention than it receives,” said Kerwin Brandt, CEO of SkinCure Oncology. “Accurate information about the millions of Americans affected each year is essential to improving prevention, early detection, access to treatment and patient outcomes.” The company is calling for the establishment of a national database to track the disease, noting that the country lacks a comprehensive system for monitoring its two most common forms.

As diagnoses have grown, treatment options have also advanced. Surgery, including Mohs micrographic surgery, remains an effective and widely used approach. However, for appropriate patients, nonsurgical alternatives offer equally impressive results with no cutting, pain, or need for subsequent cosmetic surgery. One established approach, Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IGSRT), combines low-energy X-rays with high-resolution ultrasound imaging to treat skin cancer without surgery. Published clinical studies involving thousands of early-stage lesions have reported local control rates exceeding 99 percent. GentleCure®, offered through participating dermatology practices by SkinCure Oncology, incorporates IGSRT into a comprehensive, cancer center-level model of care delivered in the dermatologist’s office.

Despite such advances, many patients still don’t learn about nonsurgical alternatives unless they ask. “Patients deserve to know all their treatment options,” Brandt said. “Our goal is to ensure patients fully understand their options, and encourage them to work with their physicians to select the optimum approach.” For more information about nonsurgical skin cancer treatment options and to find the nearest provider of the GentleCure Experience℠, visit GentleCure.com.

The implications for Texas are significant. With a large and aging population, the state likely mirrors national trends, meaning thousands of Texans could be affected by NMSC each year. The call for a national database could lead to better resource allocation and public health planning, while increased awareness of nonsurgical treatments may improve access and outcomes for patients across the state. For Texas businesses and healthcare providers, the findings underscore the growing demand for dermatological services and innovative treatment options, presenting opportunities for economic impact and improved patient care.