Skin cancer (melanoma) is the most common of all cancers. The American Cancer Society predicts that about 7,600 people will die of the disease this year.

This handout will show you what skin cancer looks and feels like and give you tips to protect yourself from the disease.

Skin Cancer Risks

Many factors increase a person's chance of getting skin cancer. People of all skin types and colors can get it.

Here are some of the most common risk factors:

Moles on the skin. Moles are usually harmless pigmented fleshy growths, but if you have a lot of them or have some that are large, you have a higher risk of getting skin cancer.

A fair complexion. Those with pale skin, blonde hair, blue eyes and freckles are at high risk of getting skin cancer.

A family history. of skin cancer. If a close relative (mother, father, brother, sister) has had skin cancer, you may be at risk.

Too much time in the sun. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, or even in a tanning booth, you could be at risk for skin cancer. If you had a bad sunburn as a child or teenager, you are at a high risk for getting skin cancer.

Age. Skin cancer can happen to anyone at any age, but about half of the cases of skin cancer occur in people older than 50.

Prevention

Here are some ways to reduce your chances of getting skin cancer:

Try to avoid being in the sun too long, especially in the middle of the day.

If you are outside for long periods of time, wear a hat with a wide brim and be sure to use sunscreen lotion or gel.

Sunscreen should have a sun protective factor (SPF) of 15 or more to block out the harmful rays of the sun. Apply it on all body parts that will be exposed to the sun - face, ears, chest, arms, legs, tops of feet and back.

Sunscreen should be put on every 2 hours for the best protection. It should be reapplied after swimming or sweating.

Use sunscreen even on partially cloudy days because the sun's rays are still strong.

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Wraparound sunglasses give the best protection.

Avoid tanning booths or sun lamps.

Check your skin every month for marks or moles whose edges become less defined or change color. If you see a new strange-looking mark on your skin, or if a mark you already have changes color or gets bigger, go to your healthcare provider to have it checked.

Slip, Slop, Slap

A simple way to practice safety in the sun is to remember the "slip, slop, slap" rule.

Slip on a shirt.

Slop on sunscreen and smooth it evenly over your face and any body parts exposed to the sun.

Slap on a hat.

Source: American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org

Compiled by Abigail Scott, associate editor at ADVANCE.