The risk of melanoma, as with the majority of cancers, increases with age. But a recent study led by Prof Diffey, based at Newcastle General Hospital. showed that it is increasingly being diagnosed in people of all ages. Men and women born in 1970 - now in their mid-30s - are being diagnosed with melanoma at the same rate as people who were born in 1930 and didn't develop melanoma until their 50s.  (Related:  Safe tanning)

Nine out of ten skin cancers are easily treatable and unlikely to spread. They are called non-melanoma skin cancer and there are more than 62,000 new cases registered each year in the UK alone. Malignant melanoma, which accounts for less than one in ten skin cancers, is the most serious type of the disease and may be fatal. It is more common in women than men. Melanoma is the second most common cancer among people aged 15-34 and early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Research says that sunburn in childhood can double the risk of melanoma in later life.  (Related article:  Actinic keratoses may lead to skin cancer if not treated)

Who is at risk?  Some people are born with a greater risk of skin cancer. While people with lighter skins are more susceptible do not assume that just because you have darker skin, you are immune.  According to a study by researchers at the University of Southern California, rate of skin cancer among Latinos in California has been growing by nearly 7% per year for the past five years, about double the rate for whites.  People with high risks tend to:

• burn easily 
• have fair skin and/or freckles 
• have red or fair hair and/or pale eyes 
• have had skin cancer before 
• have a large number of moles (50+) 
• have skin cancer in the family (especially melanoma) 
• have had bad sunburn in the past. 

If one of more of the descriptions on this list apply to you, you should take extra care to protect yourself from the sun.  How to protect yourself?

• Stay in the shade between 11am-3pm 
• Make sure you never burn 
• Always cover up with a T-shirt, wide brimmed hat and sunglasses 
• Remember to take extra care with children 
• Then use factor 15 plus sunscreen, for example, use something called Anthelios-SX.
• Also report any mole changes or unusual skin growths promptly to your doctor

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