Skin cancer rates vary from one region of the United States to another, and so does melanoma death incidence. However, despite the numerous efforts aimed at addressing this health issue, skin cancer remains the most common cancer type in the United States.

A new study, comparing the skin cancer incidence in 2003 and 2013, was published on Dec. 28 in the journal JAMA Dermatology.

Skin Cancer, An Increasing Problem

As part of the research, the authors analyzed a public database in order to compare melanoma death and incidence rates. They found that in 23 of 48 states with reported melanoma cases resulting in death, there has been a decrease in the cases of deaths caused by melanoma, while 21 states recorded an increase. There were also four states with the same death rates in 2003 and 2013.

When it comes to incidence rates, out of the 49 states, 11 registered a drop in the number of cases, while 38 states had an increase.

However, while the data reported variations due to a number of reasons, among which demographics play an essential role, there are a few geographic regions which need special focus.

"Eight (73%) of 11 midwestern states (for which we had information) experienced a rise in both death and incidence rates between 2003 and 2013, perhaps indicating a greater number of melanoma cases resulting in a greater number of deaths," the study noted.

Among states, only in New England did the situation improve. This is partially attributed to a nonprofit organization, The Melanoma Foundation. Created in 1999, the organization conducted a series of projects in order to enhance awareness among the population.

"Recently, the foundation launched the Practice Safe Skin initiative, which funded sunscreen dispensers in public and recreational areas throughout Boston and expanded to include other New England cities," the study mentioned.

Among the preventable cancers, skin cancer is the one with the highest death rate, accounting for 9,000 deaths every year. Additionally, the American Cancer Society estimates that, by the time the 2016 cases will be tallied, there will have been more than 76,000 people in the United States diagnosed.

Prevention And Sun Exposure

Among the recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, limitation of skin exposure to sun is one of the best means to prevent skin cancer. Further, taking precautions throughout the entire year, and not just during the summer, is also crucial. For instance, indoor tanning exposes people to UV radiation and can be equally harmful for the skin.

Additional advice involves avoiding sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. DST, which are the most dangerous hours when it comes to UV exposure.