Veterans face heightened risk of melanoma, nonmelanoma skin cancer
Facts at your Fingertips
By Emily Margosian, Senior Editor, October 1, 2025
The increasing incidence of skin cancer in the United States has raised new concerns about occupational associations, particularly those in professions with significant chemical or sun exposure. Read more about occupational associations of skin cancer.
Data suggest that U.S. veterans are at heightened risk of melanoma and other skin cancers, with the highest rates among members of the U.S. Air Force. Less than 30% of surveyed soldiers reported regular sunscreen use during deployment, with skin unprotected 70% of the time or more. Additional service-related exposures to cancer-associated chemicals and pilot exposures to jet exhaust and ionizing radiation may also be part of the military experience that contributes to increased risk of skin cancer.
See below for more data on melanoma incidence among veterans.
