High Demand, Few Options: The Skin Cancer Treatment Gap

By Kirsteen Mackay

Mar 06, 2025

4 min read

Basal Cell Carcinoma is 7x more common than melanoma, yet patients remain underserved. Sun and fair skin fuel its rise. Explore a rising need for treatments.

Sponsored by: Medicus Pharma. Discover their stock story.

When people think of skin cancer, melanoma often comes to mind. It’s the most aggressive form, known for its potential to spread rapidly and cause serious health complications. However, melanoma only makes up about 10% of all skin cancer cases. The most common type1, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), accounts for nearly 70%2 of cases yet remains largely overlooked in public discussions.

#Basal Cell Carcinoma: The Overlooked Majority

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequently diagnosed form of skin cancer, far surpassing melanoma in prevalence. While BCC is not as lethal as melanoma, it still requires medical attention and treatment to prevent complications. Unlike melanoma, which has a higher likelihood of spreading to other parts of the body, BCC typically grows slowly and remains localized. However, if left untreated, it can become disfiguring and occasionally invasive.

The primary risk factor for BCC is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Fair-skinned individuals, those with a history of excessive sun exposure, and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk. Despite its high prevalence, BCC does not receive the same level of awareness or urgency as melanoma, leading many individuals to overlook early warning signs.

#Understanding the Numbers: Skin Cancer Incidence

Data highlights the stark difference in incidence rates between different types of skin cancer. The following table presents key statistics on basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.

Type of Skin CancerPercentage of Cases2
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)70%
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)20%
Melanoma10%

With BCC occurring seven times more frequently than melanoma, it is evident that the focus on melanoma alone does not accurately represent the broader skin cancer landscape. Early detection and proper treatment of BCC can prevent unnecessary health risks and long-term complications.

Significant Healthcare Burden

BCC is extremely common and contributes to a significant healthcare burden, with over 5 million cases annually in the U.S.3. BCC procedures are expected to grow at an annual rate of 4%, reaching 6 million procedures by 2030 and driving the market beyond $15 billion per year4. While the condition remains most common among older adults, cases are increasingly appearing in younger individuals.

While BCC rarely leads to mortality, the sheer volume of cases results in substantial healthcare costs associated with diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Surgical procedures, such as Mohs micrographic surgery and excisions, are frequently performed, adding to the financial strain on healthcare systems. Additionally, recurrent BCCs and the need for multiple treatments over a patient’s lifetime further increase costs.

The rising incidence of BCC is particularly notable among the elderly, with 40–50% of Americans who live to age 65 expected to develop either BCC or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) at least once. Despite the growing need for treatment, access gaps persist, as 80.4%5 of U.S. counties lack Mohs surgeons, leading to long wait times for surgical intervention. On average, patients wait 215 days from initial consultation to Mohs surgery, during which time a BCC lesion can grow by approximately 3mm—an increase of 1.41 times its original size6—raising concerns about both aesthetics and potential complications.

Beyond the medical and economic impact, the growing emphasis on fitness, beauty, and luxury lifestyles has made people more body-conscious than ever. With aesthetics playing a larger role in personal well-being and self-image, individuals are increasingly motivated to seek early treatment for visible skin concerns, including BCC. This shift in mindset aligns with the desire to maintain a youthful, healthy appearance, making effective and minimally invasive treatments even more relevant. Despite its prevalence, public awareness remains low, often leading to delayed diagnosis and more complex interventions, further exacerbating the healthcare burden.

#Advancing Skin Cancer Treatment with Medicus Pharma

As the most common skin cancer, BCC requires effective and innovative treatments. Medicus Pharma is at the forefront of developing its SkinJect microneedle patch to directly treat cancer cells in a safe and convenient setting.

Key Benefits:

  • First-in-class microneedle patch technology: Non-invasive, painless, and cost-effective alternative to Mohs surgery, the current standard of care.

  • Breakthrough treatment option: 5 million+ basal cell carcinoma (BCC) cases diagnosed annually in the U.S.

  • Large market opportunity: Targeting a $15 billion+ annual market for BCC treatment.

  • Phase 2 trial progress: Over 50% of patients enrolled; interim data expected in Q1 2025.

  • Regulatory pathway advantage: Potential FDA Fast-Track designation.

  • Strong financial position: No long-term debt, $16M raised in 2024, sufficient cash for Phase 2 completion.

  • Analyst confidence: Share price targets of $10 (Maxim Group) and $12 (Brookline Capital)7 (over 240% and 300% upside based on $2.90 closing price on 4 March 2025).
    (Note: Analyst targets are based on projections and assumptions that may not materialize.)

  • IP protection: University-developed technology with patents secured through 2035

  • May prevent recurrence: by stimulating an immune response.

  • High physician and patient acceptance: based on early feedback.

This simple and effective treatment regimen could significantly improve patient outcomes while reducing the need for invasive surgeries.

For investors and medical professionals looking to stay ahead in the healthcare sector, Medicus Pharma presents a compelling investment opportunity.

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