Skin cancer is one of the cancers that is preventable and curable. The sun s powerful ultraviolet rays are necessary to all life on earth, but it s rays also pose a great hazard to our skin and to our lives. The ozone layer is diminishing rapidly, and the greatest hazard humans face from the effects of ozone depletion is skin cancer. While people of all ethnic groups and skin types can be affected by skin cancer, people with fair skin, and people of any skin type who allow themselves considerable exposure to the sun are at a higher risk. It is necessary to pay attention to your skin type to figure out whether or not you are sensitive to the sun.
Skin is classified into six groups according to the tendency to sunburn.
You are at greatest risk if you always burn, or burn easily, especially if you have blond, red or light brown hair. You should keep in mind that anyone can get skin cancer. Every one of the factors increases your risk of developing skin cancer, as does a history of sunburns in childhood, presence of unusual spots or moles, a family history of skin cancer, or a previous skin cancer. People with an outdoor occupation are at increased risk as well as those who enjoy outdoor sports. Anyone who spends considerable time in the sun or lives in a sunny climate may be more likely to develop skin cancer.