Skin cancer is by far the most common cancer in the United States with more than one million new cases diagnosed each year. It is also one of the fastest rising cancers. And because of the sunny days and high altitude of Colorado, skin cancer rates in this state are increasing faster than the national average. Skin cancer is preventable, and prevention needs to start in childhood and continue throughout life.

Approximately one in five children in the United States will grow up to have some type of skin cancer. Even just one severe sunburn before the age of 18 may double the risk of eventually developing malignant melanoma later in life. Research indicates that most people receive as much as 80 percent of their total lifetime sun exposure during their first 18 years.

"Malignant melanoma is a potentially fatal form of skin cancer that arises from skin growths commonly known as moles. Early detection is important, since melanoma is curable if detected early," warns Richard Vogt, MD, Executive Director of Tri-County Health Department.

Health experts recommend using the A-B-C-D approach to evaluate possible skin damage that might require the advice of a dermatologist:

A- Check for moles that are Asymmetrical, meaning not balanced on both sides

B- The Border of a mole should be smooth, without irregular edges or notches

C- A mole is normally all one Color. More than one color in a mole is concerning

D- The Diameter of a mole should be no more than the size of a pencil eraser

Other important factors to watch for are a mole that grows rapidly, changes shape, forms a sore, itches or bleeds. These symptoms do not necessarily indicate melanoma, but they definitely need a doctor's evaluation.

Accumulated lifetime exposure to the sun and severe sunburns are two primary triggers for skin cancer, and both can be prevented. For instance, infants should be covered with protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses, and baby strollers should have some type of sun cover. Parents should apply sunscreen to children every day before school, and they can teach their children how to apply it on their own. Adults need to set a good example by not sunbathing, avoiding tanning booths and using a minimum SPF 15 sunscreen themselves.

Everyone can limit their time in the sun, especially during the peak sun intensity hours of 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Staying in the shade and wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and a wide-brimmed hat can help prevent harmful sunburns as well. Baseball hats offer very little protection. Most sunglasses are effective at blocking harmful UV rays, and should also be worn by children and adults to prevent serious eye damage. Sun protection needs to be used during cloudy days as well, since the sun's burning rays can penetrate clouds.

Anyone can get skin cancer from the sun's rays, but those at higher risk include people with light skin tones; people with blond or red hair and those with blue or green eyes; skin that burns, freckles or reddens easily; and people who have a family member who has had skin cancer.

These few simple precautions can help everyone enjoy the abundant Colorado sunshine more safely. For additional information about sun safety, visit the American Cancer Society website at www.cancer.org, Colorado's AMC Cancer Research Center at www.sunsafety.amc.org or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.