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Skin cancers

Skin cancer may be the most common form of cancer in France. Caused in more than 85% of cases by excessive exposure to natural or artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it can be prevented by limiting exposure. Each year, between 141,200 and 243,500 cases are diagnosed in France.

Our Mission

  • Monitoring epidemiological trends in skin cancers (cutaneous melanomas and other skin cancers)

  • Contribute to expert analysis on epidemiological surveillance and policies for preventing UV exposure

  • Describe and track the public’s behaviors and knowledge regarding UV exposure

  • Provide information on the dangers of excessive UV exposure and promote key preventive measures

Diseases

The Different Types of Skin Cancer: Carcinomas and Melanomas

There are two types of skin cancer: carcinomas (basal cell and squamous cell) and melanomas. In France, between 141,200 and 243,500 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year. Skin cancers are among the most common types of cancer....

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What We Do

Since more than 85% of cases are attributable to excessive UV exposure, skin melanomas can be prevented by adopting sensible UV exposure practices.

In this context, Santé publique France’s efforts focus on epidemiological surveillance, behavioral analysis, and promoting simple measures to...

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Data

Skin Cancers: Rising Incidence and Prevalence

If the incidence observed locally (Doubs, Haut-Rhin) were extrapolated to mainland France, between 127,200 and 226,500 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer would be diagnosed in 2018. All skin cancers combined would account for between 141,000 and...

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Publications

Here you will find the latest scientific publications related to the studies and research conducted by Santé publique France.

2 publications