Survey Reveals Patients with Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Prioritize Cure Rates and Nonsurgical Options, Demand Greater Autonomy Over Insurance-Driven Decisions
Key Insights
A cross-sectional survey of 1,152 respondents found that 84% ranked cure rate as their top treatment consideration, followed by avoidance of surgery at 58%.
An overwhelming 96% of participants want multiple treatment options including both surgical and nonsurgical, with most favoring nonsurgical treatments when outcomes are comparable.
Nearly all respondents (96%) believe treatment decisions should be driven by patients and physicians rather than insurers, and 94% expressed concern about insurance limitations.
A new survey exploring patient perspectives on nonmelanoma skin cancer (search) (NMSC) — the most common cancer type — reveals that patients are demanding greater autonomy in their care, a broader array of treatment choices, and clinical decisions guided by medical necessity rather than insurance constraints. The cross-sectional survey, conducted by GentleCure by SkinCure Oncology (search), gathered responses from 1,152 participants between March and April 2026.
The findings underscore a significant shift toward patient-driven decision-making in dermatologic oncology, with respondents consistently ranking personal priorities above traditional physician recommendations when weighing treatment options.
Treatment Priorities Reflect Patient-Centered Values
When asked to rank their top considerations for medical treatment, respondents identified cure rate as the paramount concern, selected by 84% of participants. Avoidance of surgery followed at 58%, while cosmetic outcomes were prioritized by 45% of those surveyed. Insurance coverage was cited by 39%.
Notably, traditional physician recommendations ranked substantially lower than these patient-driven concerns. Doctor recommendation, cost of treatment, and convenience were each selected by only 19% of respondents, while recovery time was chosen by just 17%. This pattern, according to the survey authors, underscores the determination of patients to make their own fully informed choices.
Demand for Diverse Treatment Pathways
The survey revealed near-universal demand for treatment optionality. Fully 96% of participants expressed a strong preference for having multiple treatment options available, encompassing both surgical and nonsurgical modalities. When outcomes are comparable, most patients indicated a preference for nonsurgical treatments.
This finding carries particular relevance for technologies such as Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (search) (Image-Guided SRT or IGSRT), a nonsurgical approach for common skin cancer that SkinCure Oncology (search) delivers through its GentleCure Experience. The company partners with approximately 500 physicians nationwide and has treated more than 150,000 patients to date.
Insurance Barriers and Decision-Making Authority
The survey also captured deep frustration with insurance-driven constraints on care. An overwhelming 94% of respondents expressed concern about insurance limitations affecting their treatment options. Furthermore, 96% emphasized that treatment decisions should be driven by patients and physicians rather than insurers or external entities.
"These findings highlight the absolute importance of patient autonomy and access to diverse treatment options," said Kerwin Brandt, chief executive officer of SkinCure Oncology (search). "Patients want effective, nonsurgical solutions where appropriate, and they want the freedom to choose them, in consultation with their doctors."
Screening Behaviors Linked to Personal Experience
The survey established a powerful link between personal or familial history of skin cancer and preventative behaviors. Respondents with direct exposure to skin cancer were significantly more likely to engage in regular dermatologic screenings. Specifically, 79% of those with a history of skin cancer reported visiting a dermatologist for a skin check at least once a year, compared to just 32% of those without such history.
The frequency of these examinations also increased sharply with respondent age, higher education level, and robust health insurance coverage. Overall concern about skin cancer was high across the sample, peaking among older populations and individuals who had previously navigated a diagnosis.
Study Methodology
The research was administered via SurveyMonkey, employing a diverse recruitment strategy that included email recruitment, social media outreach, and digital links hosted on the GentleCure patient education website. Of the 1,152 total participants, 1,025 identified as having direct or familial experience with skin cancer, while 127 respondents reported no prior experience.