Exposure to sun causes most of the wrinkles and age spots on our faces, and it can lead to much more serious consequences, including skin cancer. Be cautious early, because 80% of sun exposure happens before the age of 18.
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US, and the number of cases continues to ruse. It is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. While healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way, cancer cells grow and divide in a rapid haphazard manner. This rapid growth results in tumors that are either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). There are three main types of skin cancer: Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell cancers are less serious types and make up 95% of all skin cancers. Also referred to as non-melanoma skin cancers, they are highly curable when treated early. Melanoma, made up of abnormal skin pigment cells called melanocytes, is the most serious form of skin cancer and causes 75% of all skin cancer deaths. Left untreated, it can spread to other organs and is difficult to control.
Source: Cleveland Clinic