Currently, there is no proven method to consistently and effectively prevent skin cancer. Given the role of sunlight in the development of many skin cancers including some melanomas, sun avoidance and sun protection are strongly recommended. Early detection through self examination and professional evaluation remains the best method for preventing deaths from melanoma - the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

The three most common forms of skin cancer are:

• Basal cell carcinoma-develops in 300,000 to 400,000 persons every year in the United States
• Squamous cell carcinoma-develops in 80,000 to 100,000 persons per year in the United States
• Melanoma-45,000 to 50,000 new cases are diagnosed every year in the United States. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer-6 of every 7 deaths from skin cancer in the United States are due to melanoma

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation in sunlight is believed to be a primary contributor to malignant melanoma -- especially when the exposure is frequent and intense as in sunbathing and tanning. However, melanoma may occur in a sun-protected site. Melanomas do occur on clothed areas of the skin, as well.

Here is some important information that may help you prevent melanoma.

The Ultraviolet (UV) Index is issued daily by the National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency. It provides the next day's estimated amount of exposure to UV radiation, on a scale of 0 to 10+.

Special care should be taken when the UV Index predicts exposure levels of Moderate or higher.

• Avoid deliberate excessive exposure such as sunbathing or days at the beach.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat when you are out in the sun.
• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses and protective clothing.
• Use a sunscreen (lotion, gel, cream, wax stick) with a Sun Protective Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, and preferably a "broad spectrum" sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation.
• Apply sunscreen correctly-that is, re-apply every two hours, using one ounce per application to cover the entire body for adequate protection.

Early diagnosis and treatment of melanoma is essential. Any person with many moles or a family history of melanoma should be examined regularly by a dermatologist. Every adult should self-examine at regular intervals to detect any early indications of melanoma. Self-examination is done using the A-B-C-D criteria:

A=Asymmetry (the left side of the lesion is unlike the right side)

B=Border Irregularity (the lesion has a scalloped or poorly defined border)

C=Color Variation (not all parts of the lesion are the same color;
within the lesion may be patches of tan, brown, black, pink, white or blue)

D=Diameter (a melanoma is usually larger than 6 millimeters in diameter,
about the size of a pencil eraser)

It is worth noting that some melanomas do not conform to the A-B-C-D criteria, so any suspicious mole should be examined by a dermatologist.

!Overall Warnings/Disclaimer:
If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.