According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US. In fact, more skin cancers are diagnosed in the US each year than all other cancers combined. Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays which come from the sun, however, some may come from man-made sources, such as indoor tanning beds and sun lamps.
The good news is that you can do a lot to protect yourself and your family from UV rays, including staying in the shade, wearing protective clothing such as a long-sleeve shirt, long pants or skirts, a hat and sunglasses, and using sunscreen.
Additionally, you don’t need X-rays or blood tests to find skin cancer early – just your eyes and a mirror. Checking your skin regularly may help you spot any new or abnormal moles or other growths, allowing you to show them to your doctor before they have a chance to turn into skin cancer. If you have skin cancer, finding it early is the best way to make sure it can be treated successfully.