Spending time in the sun feels so good that you can forget the harm those UV rays can do. Sun exposure is the biggest risk factor for skin cancer, but not the only one. Several other factors can increase your risk, but no one is immune to this condition, so everyone should take some simple precautions.Â
What is Skin Cancer?Â
Skin cancer occurs when cells in several layers of your skin begin to grow and divide abnormally. The most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The first two are slow-growing but can become harmful if not treated. Melanoma grows more quickly and can spread. Catching any type of skin cancer early often allows your provider to remove it with a minor procedure.Â