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1. Are tanning beds safer than the sun?

   No. Tanning beds use UVA rays. They may not only inflict the same type of skin and eye damage as the sun, but may also be as much as 20 times stronger than natural sunlight. Although UVA rays are milder than UVB rays—the main cause of sunburn and sun cancer—UVA wavelengths are longer and they penetrate deeper through the skin's layers. UVA rays contribute to wrinkling the skin, as well as to the development of skin cancer.

2. If someone in my family has had skin cancer, is my risk for developing the disease increased?

   Yes. Although sun exposure is responsible for most cases of melanoma, a family history of the disease can also be a risk factor. You are especially at risk if other members of your immediate family have had melanoma. You should plan to see a dermatologist every three to four months for a complete skin examination, in addition to performing self-exams every month. A condition called dysplastic nevus syndrome, which appears as many or just a few irregularly shaped or sized moles, also tends to run in families. Individuals with this condition are at higher risk for developing melanoma.

3. Are dark-skinned people immune to skin cancer?

   No. Anyone can develop skin cancer, although people with fair complexions tend to be more susceptible to skin cancer and precancerous conditions than people with darker skin tones. In addition to fair skin and light hair, risk factors for skin cancer include: a tendency to freckle or burn easily; lots of sun exposure throughout your life; sunburns as a child or adolescent; family history of the disease; history of radiation therapy; chronic scarring from diseases or burns; and exposure to toxic materials such as arsenic.

4. What type of SPF should I look for in a sunscreen?

   Most SPFs of 15 or higher will protect against UVA and UVB rays.

5. Should I avoid the sun altogether?

   No. Sunlight is our primary source of vitamin D, important for building strong bone and other health-related issues. Sunlight isn't entirely bad, but tanning (and long-term exposure) is. Learn how to protect your skin whenever you're outside.

6. Does sunscreen prevent sunburn?

   While sunscreen helps minimize damaging sunburns, it doesn't completely prevent burning. The best prevention is still to minimize the total amount of sun exposure your skin receives. This includes avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when its rays are strongest; wearing a large-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your scalp and eyes; covering other sun-exposed parts of your body; staying in the shade when possible; and limiting the time you spend in the sun.

7. My skin is sensitive and acne-prone, and sunscreen irritates it. What can I do?

   If you're prone to rashes, try different brands and types of sunscreen until you find one that doesn't cause a rash. Gels wash off more easily and need to be reapplied more frequently than sunscreen lotions or creams, but they may be preferable if you are acne-prone. Discuss you skin reactions with your health care professional, perhaps a dermatologist, for other suggestions.

8. It's been years since I've tanned my skin. Do I still need to worry enough about skin cancer to do self-exams?

   It's important to remember that your average lifetime sun exposure risk occurs before age 20, and that skin cancer can take 20 years or more to develop. In fact, very young children who experience as few as two to three severe sunburns are believed to have an increased risk of developing skin cancer later in life. So examine your skin once a month for anything unusual.

9. I've never had moles before, but I just noticed a brown spot on my skin. Should I be worried?

   Although melanoma typically begins in or around a pre-existing mole, it can also appear without warning on clear skin. You should bring your condition to the attention of your dermatologist for further evaluation and an accurate diagnosis.