Skin cancer most often occurs among older, fair-skinned people and is rare among African Americans. The most common forms of skin cancer are benign basal or squamous cell-type. These cancers tend to grow slowly and spread little, and can usually be cured.

The most dangerous type of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, is increasing at a rate of about 4 percent each year - faster than any other type of cancer. Late-stage malignant melanoma can spread to other parts of the body, including the brain. This year, about 40,000 Americans will be diagnosed with malignant melanoma, and approximately 15 percent will be fatal.

Although most skin cancers are located in areas that are exposed to sun, melanomas can develop anywhere on the body, even on the soles of the feet, and under finger and toenails. Early detection improves survival rates. So get to know your skin by doing self-exams regularly. If you suspect a problem, see your doctor right away.

Protect yourself!
Australia's successful skin cancer prevention program relies heavily on its advertising campaign: "wrap on, slap on, slip on, and slop on."

Protecting your skin from damaging Ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays is your best defense against getting skin cancer. Cover up and use a broad spectrum sunscreen (covering both UVA and UVB rays) with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater to prevent sunburn, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Generously apply (slop on) sunscreen lotion to all exposed areas. Since a possible link has been established between severe childhood sunburns and the occurrence of melanoma later in life, be sure to protect your children from the sun.

For maximum protection, apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before exposure, and reapply every 2 hours. Sunscreen is still needed on overcast days. Cover up with clothing - a long-sleeved shirt and long pants are preferred. Remember to wear a hat that shades your face, neck, and ears, and protect your eyes with sunglasses. Zinc oxide and similar creams offer almost total protection, and kids love them in neon colors!

Do not use sunlamps or tanning booths. In some cases, certain prescription drugs can increase the skin sensitivity to ultraviolet rays, so check with your doctor if you are taking medication. And remember, damaging UV rays reflect off water, sand, snow, and any light-color surface, even concrete.

In short, your two most powerful weapons against melanoma are prevention, by using protective clothing and sunscreen, and early detection by recognizing changes in skin growths or the appearance of new growths.

For more information call the American Cancer Society at 1.800.ACS.2345.