3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year.   76,600 of those cases are diagnosed with Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.  A common risk factor is excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation.  Protecting yourself while outdoors as well as knowing the dangers with indoor tanning is important.  Professional prevention tips include:  avoid tanning beds, check your skin monthly for any unusual marks, partner up with your dermatologist for an annual screening, and wear sunscreen SPF 30 or higher while outside.

Visit http://www.cancer.org for more facts about skin cancer.

For more information on how you can protect yourself visit the American Academy of Dermatology:  http://www.aad.org/spot-skin-cancer.