With the bronze-is-beautiful mentality becoming increasingly popular in America today, there has been a significant rise in the amount of Americans diagnosed with skin cancer. There are currently more new cases of skin cancer each year than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 1.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States alone. One in five Americans (including one in three Caucasians) will develop some type of skin cancer in the course of a lifetime, and one person dies every hour from skin cancer.

These numbers are outrageous, considering skin cancer is one of the easiest cancers to prevent. More than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure, yet fewer than 33 percent of adults, teens and children routinely use sun protection. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage skin, even at low levels. The more exposure you get, the greater your likelihood of developing skin cancer. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles your chance of developing some form of skin cancer later in life.

There are two specific forms of skin cancer: non-melanoma skin cancers (known as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma), and melanoma. According to Desiree Ratner, MD, director of dermatologic surgery and an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City, the non-melanoma skin cancers usually turn up on sun-exposed areas of the skin and are the easiest to cure. However, if left untreated, these cancers can spread to other areas of the body.

Melanoma on the other hand, is more aggressive and has the potential to be deadly. It is also most likely to spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma accounts for more than 8,000 deaths in the United States each year. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, by 2010, melanoma is projected to rise to one in 50 Americans having the disease. Although certain melanomas are not sun related, a majority result from heavy sun exposure.

Warning Signs of Skin Cancer:

Because early detection can mean the difference between life and death, it is extremely important to be aware of the condition of your skin. A lot of skin cancers are curable most of the time – if it’s caught early enough. Here are a few signs to watch for:

• Any new growth on the skin: This also includes any changes in an older growth or mole. For melanoma, dermatologists recommend looking out for the “ABCDs” of skin cancer.
• “A” is for asymmetry of the shape of a mole;
• “B” stands for irregular border;
• “C” is for different colors in the same mole; and
• “D” means a diameter greater than the size of a pencil eraser.”

Those who have a lot of moles should pay special attention to any changes that may take place.

• Oozing or bleeding: This includes new bumps and existing bumps.
• Itchiness, sensitivity or pain of a bump: Includes new and existing bumps.
• Family history: People who have a family history of melanoma have a greater risk of developing it themselves.

If you notice a new growth or any of these other symptoms, it is important you have a dermatologist examine your skin. The best way to deal with skin cancer is to prevent it from happening in the first place.

If you can’t live without having a tan, opt for a UV-free sunless tanner. These products come in lotions, sprays and gels. More importantly, they are completely harmless. Sunless tanners contain dyes that color the outermost layer of the skin. Color generally lasts about four to five days. One word of caution: these products don’t contain sunscreen, so don’t leave home without your SPF 15 or higher!

Sources: Skin Cancer Foundation, MSNBC