The most common form of cancer in the U.S. is skin cancer. More than one million new cases of skin cancer was diagnosed this past year.  Malignant melanoma causes more than 75% of all deaths from skin cancer. This most serious form of skin cancer can spread to other parts of the body quickly. When detected in its earliest stages and treated properly, however, it is highly curable. For localized melanoma, the 5-year relative survival rate is 96%; survival rates for regional and distant stage diseases are 61% and 12%, respectively.

Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays appears to be the most important environmental factor in developing skin cancer. This makes skin cancer a largely preventable disease when sun protective practices and behaviors are consistently applied and used. UV rays from artificial sources of light, such as tanning beds and sun lamps are just as dangerous as those from the sun, and should also be avoided. Unfortunately, despite the fact that both tanning and burning can increase one's risk of skin cancer, most Americans do not protect themselves from UV rays.

Effective sun protection is practiced by less than one-third of U.S. youth. In a recent survey by the American Cancer Society of youth aged 11–18 years, routinely practiced sun-protection behaviors among young people on sunny days were wearing sunglasses (32%) or long pants (21%), staying in the shade (22%), and applying sunscreen (31%). Fifty-eight percent of those using sunscreen, used sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more when at the beach or pool.

If you are someone who is concerned with skin cancer, it is recommended that you see your dermatologist.