Skin cancer continues to top the charts as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society’s 2026 Facts & Figures report. Much of that risk stems from cumulative sun exposure, and much of it is preventable. Here, we take a closer look at the numbers, and what you can do to avoid becoming one of them.
The Staggering Scale
Each year, roughly 5.4 million nonmelanoma skin cancers are diagnosed in the United States. Because many are treatable, the risk can feel low, but that adds up quickly. Millions of diagnoses bring millions of biopsies, procedures and follow-ups, which is proof that skin cancer affects far more people than most of us realize.
A Growing Threat
Melanoma cases continue to rise. In 2026, new diagnoses are projected to rise 10.6 percent, totaling 234,680 cases across the U.S. About half will be identified early, but 112,000 cases are expected to be invasive. Men continue to face greater risk, with 65,400 invasive cases expected, compared to 46,600 in women. Over the past decade, invasive melanoma diagnoses have increased by 46.6 percent.
Small(er) Numbers, Serious Stakes
Melanoma may account for fewer cases, but it carries the highest risk. In 2026, it’s expected to claim 8,510 lives in the United States. More aggressive and more likely to spread, melanoma becomes especially dangerous when it’s caught later. The threat isn’t how often it appears—it’s how quickly it can escalate once it does.
The Power of Protection
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every two hours. Fort Lauderdale, FL dermatologist Dr. Matthew Elias recommends UPF 50 clothing, shade and sunglasses as added layers of protection. These daily habits are essential: Over the past decade, melanoma death rates have fallen by about three percent per year in men two percent per year in women thanks to earlier detection and better treatments.
A New Era for SPF
Finally, a newly FDA-approved UV filter is expected to arrive in the United States by the end of the year. Here’s what’s worth knowing ahead of its arrival.
Meet Bemotrizinol
“Bemotrizinol is a broad-spectrum chemical UV filter that’s been used in Europe and other international markets for more than two decades, often under the name Tinosorb,” says Omaha, NE dermatologist Daniel Schlessinger, MD.
“Its FDA approval is monumental, given that the last time a new sunscreen was approved in the U.S. was in 1999,” he continues. “In the time that we have finally had a new sunscreen ingredient, we have gone from block cellphones to smartphones and watches.”
What Makes it Special
Unlike many of the existing sunscreen filters in the United States, bemotrizinol is photostable, meaning it doesn’t break down quickly in sunlight. “Bemotrizinol provides broad protection against deep-penetrating UVA rays—the ones that are linked to signs of premature aging and skin cancer—and when combined with other organic and inorganic sunscreen filters, it can help broaden coverage against the damaging effects of UV radiation,” says Dr. Elias.
What to Look for in New Products
When bemotrizinol hits shelves, its formulation, active ingredient pairings and overall texture will all factor into finding the right product. Nevertheless, Dr. Elias is excited: “The most exciting thing is that bemotrizonol actually gives us a new sunscreen ingredient, which we haven’t had in quite a while. Plus, it can be used with other sunscreens as well!”
