Cancer is an error that occurs at the genetic level, and has probably existed for as long as humans have existed.
Excessive exposure to sunlight has always been damaging, and it is likely that many have died from skin cancer before we knew about this disease.
It is relatively recent news, however, that the truth about sun damage and its importance in causing skin cancer has been known in the medical field and in public perception.
Also, since skin cancer tends to be a slow acting disease that is more likely to occur in the elderly, it has come to the forefront in modern times, as people are living longer on average.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, but it is also the easiest to cure.
Unlike many internal cancers which are not visible to the eye and often do not cause obvious symptoms until it has progressed, skin cancer is noticeable and visible to the patient, making identification easy.

It is also easy to remove in its early stages before it has spread, as it is visible and accessible to the surgeon.

Skin cancer can affect people of all ages.
It is true that the incidence of skin cancer is higher in the elderly.
This is largely due to their prolonged exposure to the sun, and it also may be a factor that their immune systems may be weaker.

Remember that education is critical; people can greatly reduce their chances of getting skin cancer by protecting themselves from the sun.

Sun exposure is the most critical factor in the development of skin cancer.
The rate of skin cancer is comparatively higher in areas that are closer to the equator.
As an example, Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world.

Unfortunately, sun damage is subtle and its effects are cumulative.
Many forms of skin cancer are not the result of sporadic bouts of excessive sun exposure but a result of many years of daily sun exposure that we receive during our every day exposure to the sun.

Sunscreen should be applied on a daily basis whenever we expect to be exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period of time.

While most skin cancers occur in areas of the body that have accumulated sun damage, some cancers such as melanoma can occur in areas of the body that are typically protected from the sun, such as the soles of the feet, or inside the nails.

SPF is important, however, a product that has SPF 15 protects the skin from 94% of the sun's UV rays, and SPF provides around 97% of the sun's rays. After that there is little difference in effectiveness. SPF is a measure of how many times longer than without any sunscreen, one can stay in the sun without burning.
We recommend that you use a product that has an SPF of at least 15. Just as importantly remember to choose a sunscreen that you actually like. This is a very important point-a wonderful sunscreen is just as ineffective as a lesser product if you don't use it. For this reason, price is another important factor. Many studies have shown that most of us do not use nearly as much sunscreen as required to protect oneself. Purchasing an extra expensive sunscreen will also discourage users from applying the sunscreen in sufficient quantities.

While skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, it is almost always curable if found early.
With regular self-examination, periodic medical check-ups, and proper sun protection, you will be very likely to find the skin cancer and cure it before it becomes a serious life threat.

All cancers, including skin cancer, have a hereditary component.
Although anyone can develop skin cancer with enough sun exposure, if you have a family history of skin cancer, understand that you are likely to be more susceptible to developing this type of cancer than the average person.

If you have a family history of skin cancer, take extra care to use sun protection regularly, and check your skin on a regular basis.

There are many types of skin cancers.
There are 3 major types of skin cancers, however.
They are called Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Malignant Melanoma.
These three types of skin cancer account for the great majority of skin cancers.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer, but the least dangerous, while malignant melanoma is the least common type of cancer, but account for most of the skin cancer deaths.
For most skin cancers, primary treatment is the same.

Those with a darker coloured skin tend to have a level of protection from the sun through melanin, which gives the skin the color.

If you burn easily, and do not tan, you are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer and other sun damage related skin diseases.

Sun protection is especially important if you are showing signs of extensive sun damage.
The development of skin cancer is slow, and it can take decades before sun damage can cause skin cancer.
If you have sun damage, it is very important that you change your lifestyle now, and reduce the amount of sun damage that you are taking.
There is some evidence that sunscreens can not only prevent future damage, but also reverse existing sun damage to a certain extent.