Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. More than 700,000 people get it each year. When found early, most people with skin cancer can be cured. By far, the sun causes most skin cancers. However, other things can also cause it, such as repeated exposure to x-rays or contact with chemicals like coal tar or arsenic.
The best way is to avoid the sun. Try to stay out of the sun from 10 am to 3 pm when the rays are strongest. Cover up when you are out in the sun. Wear wide brimmed hats and long sleeved shirts and pants. Don't forget to keep your neck covered. Use a sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Sunscreen keeps out the harmful rays of the sun. Apply it at least 15-30 minutes before going in the sun. Put on more sunscreen after swimming or sweating.
Beware of cloudy days. You can still get burned. The sun's rays can reach through three feet of water. So even though you may feel cool in the water, the sun can still burn you. Watch out for the sun in wintertime. Snow reflects sunlight and that can burn you too. Don't use sunlamps, tanning parlors, or tanning pills. They can be just as harmful to you body as the sun.
You can't tell for sure. See your doctor if: a mole changes size, shape, or color; there is an unusual growth on your skin; your skin changes color in certain spots or a sore won't heal. Look at your skin. Check moles, spots and birthmarks monthly. Getting too much sun causes other skin problems, such as red, scaly patches. These can also become cancer. See your doctor for this condition.
People who sunburn easily tend to have fair skin and red or blond hair. These individuals will get skin cancer most easily. It is less common in people with black or deep brown skin. However, anyone who spends a lot of time in the sun can get skin cancer. Ninety percent of skin cancers occur on the parts of the body not usually covered with clothing – the face, hands, forearms, and ears. People trying to get tans also get skin cancer on the shoulders, back, chest, and legs. Remember, protect yourself from the sun and you'll protect yourself from skin cancer.