Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer among Americans and if more individuals used proper skin cancer prevention, perhaps this statistic would change. Older generations who developed skin cancer did not have the knowledge today's society has available to them. Yet despite the statistics released from leading medical research, both men and women are still spending copious amounts of time in the sun or in tanning beds without using proper protection.

Skin cancer comes in two forms, melanomas and non-melanomas. Melanomas usually account for only four percent of diagnosed skin cancers, but they are considered to be the most deadly. Melanomas occur in the epidermis, the skin's outer layer, usually appearing as a dark mole with uneven edges. If detected early through skin cancer prevention, melanomas can be eliminated without causing harm. If ignored, these cancers can break away and spread to other parts of the body. Non-melanomas, on the other hand, are comprised of two different cell types, basal cells and squamous cells. Both of these cells are caused from sun exposure, but basal cells form in the lower epidermis while squamous cells form in the upper epidermis.

When you are young, skin cancer prevention is probably not on your list of top priorities. But it should be since skin cancer rates are continuing to rise each year. The excessive use of tanning beds and sunlamps can be a cause for the increase in skin cancer cases. These beds are not a safe replacement for sun exposure because they still omit harmful rays that could lead to skin cancer. It is also important to know where your highest risks lie for developing skin cancer because everyone has different skin types. Individuals with light skin, freckles or light colored hair are more susceptible to the sun's rays. It is also known that more cases of skin cancer show up in Caucasians than in African-Americans. Before going outside, it is also important to learn your family's history on skin cancer because this could increase your own risks.

Sunscreen is recommended as a form of protection against the sun. The American Cancer Society urges the use of waterproof sunscreen that has an SPF15 or more of both UVA and UVB protection. You should also apply at least an ounce of sunscreen for your body twenty minutes before going out into the sun. Too often, individuals forget to re-apply their sunscreen after being exposed to harmful UVA and UVB rays. Also be sure to avoid the sun during 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. because this is when the sun's rays are most intense. Staying unprotected in the sun during this time is when you put yourself in the danger zone for damaging healthy skin cells.

Proper skin cancer prevention should be practiced by everyone in your family, even babies. Doctors recommend babies that are six months or younger stay out of the sun. Teaching your children to be sun smart is important for their health too. Find shady areas when you take them outside to play and be sure they have the proper protection on. Clothing is another way to protect yourself and your family from harmful rays. Wear hats that have wide brims to cover all areas of your neck, ears, eyes and scalp.

We protect ourselves from other potential harms in life by going to the doctor regularly or wearing our seatbelts while riding in a car. Although, it is easy to forget your skin needs good protection too. This is why skin cancer prevention is so important for everyone in your family. The sun's rays are nothing to toy around with and everyone should always use proper protection when going outside.