Skin cancer rising at alarming rate

It's been said many times, but it can't hurt to say it again: Protect your skin from the sun.

Over the past few years, awareness of both the harmful effects of the sun and of skin cancer has increased. Unfortunately, the number of cases of skin cancer has increased proportionately.

Skin cancer starts in the outer layer of the skin in one of three types of cells: basal, squamous, or melanocyte. The most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma usually appears as slow-growing, translucent, or raised nodules. If left untreated, they may ulcerate and bleed. However, if detected and treated early, 95 percent of cases are cured.

Another common form of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. Here the skin appears as nodules or red, scaly patches. These patches can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. The chance of recovery if treatment is begun early is high. However, if ignored, this form of skin cancer can sometimes be fatal.

Melanoma is a disease of the skin in which cancer cells are found in the cells that color the skin (melanocytes). It is the least common but fastest growing and most dangerous type of skin cancer. Although melanoma normally occurs in adults, there have been cases of this cancer in adolescents as well.

Overall, skin cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in the United States. It accounts for one percent of all cancer deaths - a staggering 9,200 deaths each year. Most malignant melanomas occur in individuals between 25 and 29 years of age.

Interestingly, though, skin cancer is the most easily prevented cancer. Approximately 90 percent of all skin cancers can be attributed to sun overexposure. There are many ways to limit your exposure to the sun.

Some ways to do this would be to use sunscreen that protects against both types of UV rays: UVA and UVB.

Experts recommend liberal use of sunscreens rated at least SPF 15. Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors, even on cloudy days. Keep in mind that even waterproof sunscreen can come off when you towel off, sweat, or spend extended periods of time in the water. Contrary to recent media reports that sunscreens may do more harm than good, the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Cancer Society urge Americans not to decrease sunscreen use.

Dermatologists strongly urge people to set limits for time spent in the sun. They warn that between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the sun's rays are the strongest. In addition, experts recommend covering exposed skin and wearing sunglesses as well as hats with wide brims. A reported 80 percent of skin cancer cases occur above the neck.

It should be noted that the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation can penetrate many types of clothes. For this reason, dermatologists recommend wearing tightly-woven, lightweight clothes.

At the beach, experts warn people to be conscious of how much time they are exposing their skin to the sun. Exposure to ultraviolet rays is cumulative; eventually it can cause a leathery look and lead to skin cancer.

Regardless of one's skin complexion, everyone is at risk to get skin cancer.

The following risk factors could increase your risk for developing skin cancer. First, spending a great deal of time in the sun - especially during childhood - increases risk. Also, past instances of severe burns from the sun, tanning beds or lamps, or having a family history of certain types of skin cancer makes you a candidate for skin cancer. Finally, having a weakened immune system and the appearance of moles are risk factors.

Fortunately, skin cancer is usually easy to detect since it occurs on the surface of the skin.

Experts recommend examining one's body every few months. Look for changes in the size, color, texture or shape of a mole, the appearance of new moles, or unusual growths on the face, ears, arms, chest, and back.

Even though it is warm now, take preventive measures year-round to ensure your skin stays healthy into old age.