Sun avoidance is the best defense against skin cancer. Prevention is a matter of guarding the skin against the known causes. And, early detection is the surest way to a cure. Most people receive 80 percent of their lifetime exposure to the sun by 18 years of age. However, it does not prevent skin cancer.
Skin cancer is very slow to develop.
A one-day sunburn may take 20 years or more to become skin cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that 1 out of 7 people in the United States will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime. One serious sunburn can increase the risk by as much as 50 percent. Heredity People with a history of skin cancer in their families are probably at a higher risk to develop skin cancer. People with fair skin, with a northern European heritage appear to be most susceptible.