It's that time of year when temperatures begin to rise and Americans eagerly leave their houses to enjoy some much-needed Vitamin D.
But as summer nears, health experts are warning against the consequences of excessive sun exposure.
"Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in the United States," said Dr. Susan Massick, associate professor of dermatology at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. Skin cancer "can be preventable to a certain extent and is related to the amount of sun exposure that people happen to have."
Here's what experts want you to know about skin cancer, including symptoms, risks and how to prevent it.
Basal and squamous cell skin cancer
The American Cancer Society says these cancers are most often found in areas exposed to the sun, such as head, neck and arms. While they’re common, they’re also typically treatable.
Squamous and basal cells are in the top layer of the skin, called the epidermis. About 8 in 10 skin cancers are basal cell cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. While it’s rare for it to spread to other parts of body, if it's not removed completely then it can come back in the same place on the skin.
Melanoma skin cancer
Melanoma is much less common compared to other types of skin cancer, but it’s can be dangerous because it's more likely to spread to other parts of the body if not treated early, the American Cancer Society says.
It occurs when cells called melanocytes – which make a brown pigment called melanin and give the skin its tan or brown color – start to grow out of control.
While melanoma can develop anywhere on the skin, it’s more likely to start on the chest and back, legs, or neck and face.