New Age Health Spa
The following information concerning skin cancer was provided by the Cancer Research Foundation for America. For more information, visit http://www.preventcancer.org/.

Many people do not fully realize the importance of protecting their skin from the sun. Damage from overexposure to the sun's rays and tanning beds not only results in premature aging, including wrinkles and liver spots—it can also cause skin cancer.
Skin cancer develops when abnormal skin cells, which often form a group called a tumor, begin to grow out of control and invade other parts of the body—a process called metastasis. Benign tumors do not spread and are usually not harmful. Malignant tumors, however, spread from their sources and can grow into life-threatening cancers.

Because they develop differently and carry different risks, skin cancers (also called carcinomas) are separated into two groups: melanoma and nonmelanoma cancers. Melanomas, which account for about 4 percent of skin cancers, start in the pigment-producing cells that are in the skin's outer layer (the epidermis). They are usually brown or black mole-like growths that appear most often on arms and lower legs.

When identified early, melanomas can be successfully removed most of the time. If neglected, however, melanomas are likely to metastasize and are deadly. Although melanomas are the least common, they are the most dangerous skin cancers.

Nonmelanoma skin cancer, mostly flesh-colored to reddish-brown nodules, primarily involve two types of cells: basal cells (lower epidermis) and squamous cells (upper epidermis). About 75 percent of skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas, which are sun-induced, slow-growing, and unlikely to metastasize. Squamous cell carcinomas are also caused by sun exposure and account for about 20 percent of skin cancers.

With skin cancer rates on the rise, it is estimated that more than 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with nonmelanomas in 2003, and about 54,200 will be diagnosed with melanoma. Start taking precautions to minimize the risk of skin cancer to you and your family today.

Skin Cancer Prevention Tips
- Always wear a broadband sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
- Completely cover all exposed skin with a minimum of one full ounce of sunscreen.
- Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun.
- Select a waterproof sunscreen if you plan to be physically active.
- Wear sunscreen everyday in every season, even on overcast, cloudy days.
- Be sure to protect your eyes with sunglasses and your lips with a SPF lip balm.
- Wear clothing with a tight weave and a wide-brimmed hat.
- If you have children, teach them to apply their own sunscreen (under your supervision).
- Keep babies less than six months old out of the sun.
- Encourage your kids to play in the shade.