New national data shows that survival for people with melanoma has improved significantly over the past several decades. Rising survival rates reflect advances in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

According to the American Cancer Society’s latest cancer statistics, the five-year relative survival rate for melanoma has risen steadily, reaching 95 percent for those diagnosed in recent years. This means 95 percent of people with melanoma are still alive five years after diagnosis, compared to those without this cancer type. That’s a significant increase compared with the mid-1970s, when the five-year relative survival rate was 82 percent, and the mid-1990s, when the rate was 91 percent.

These gains mean that today, many people with melanoma are living longer than ever before. For those diagnosed at an early stage, long-term survival is now the norm.

Why Survival Has Improved

Health experts point to a combination of earlier detection and advances in treatment as key reasons for improving melanoma survival. Increased awareness and regular skin checks have helped find melanoma at earlier stages, when treatment is more likely to be effective. At the same time, ongoing improvements in cancer care — including targeted therapies and immunotherapies — have contributed to declining death rates over time.

Learn more about treatment options for melanoma.

Survival Depends on Many Factors, Including Stage

While overall survival for melanoma is high, outcomes still vary widely, depending on the stage at diagnosis. National data shows that survival has improved over time at every stage of melanoma. But challenges remain for people diagnosed with metastatic melanoma.

For localized melanoma (cancer that has not spread beyond the skin), the five-year relative survival rates over time have been:

• 1975 to 1977 — 92 percent
• 1995 to 1997 — 97 percent
• 2015 to 2021 — Greater than 99 percent

For regional melanoma (cancer that has spread to nearby lymph nodes or surrounding tissue):

• 1975 to 1977 — 58 percent
• 1995 to 1997 — 62 percent
• 2015 to 2021 — 76 percent

For distant (metastatic) melanoma (cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body):

• 1975 to 1977 — 15 percent
• 1995 to 1997 — 16 percent
• 2015 to 2021 — 35 percent

These statistics describe outcomes for large groups of people and can’t predict what will happen for any one individual. Other factors — such as details about a person’s cancer and their response to treatment, overall health, and access to care — all play an important role in prognosis (outlook).

Learn more about factors that affect melanoma prognosis.

What This Means for People Living With Melanoma

If you’re living with melanoma, these survival trends may offer reassurance that treatment options and outcomes are improving over time. Still, decisions about screening, treatment, and follow-up care are personal and should be made with a healthcare provider who understands your specific situation.

Join the Conversation

On MyMelanomaTeam, people share their experiences with melanoma, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you talked about prognosis with your oncologist? Let others know in the comments below.