The American Cancer Society estimates that 900,000 new cases of the highly curable forms of skin cancer are diagnosed each year. New cases of melanoma, the most serious and life-threatening skin cancer, were expected to be 40,300 in 1997, with 7,300 cases resulting in death. Skin cancer has increased at a rate of 4 percent each year since 1973, and is 20 times higher among whites than African Americans. These trends have serious implications for farmers and others who spend much of their working hours outdoors. Sun exposure Research has shown that cumulative sun exposure is a major factor in development of skin cancer.
Small changes occur in the skin each time it is exposed to sunlight.
People who burn easily, rarely tan, freckle or have a fair complexion, have blonde or red hair, or have blue or gray eyes, experience greater skin changes. Skin cancer usually is not associated with a single, painful sunburn, but rather with repeated exposure to the sun and changes in the skin s makeup. The sun s rays are more damaging during summer months and at midday hours than other times. However, you can get a sunburn on a cloudy day during other seasons, and at other times of the day. Cumulative sun exposure is the major concern.