"Fry now. Pay later."

This is the American Cancer Society's warning to millions of sun worshipers every year.

Several types of skin cancer are linked to repeated exposure to the sun, and individuals who insist on suntanning increase their chances of developing skin cancer later in life, said Dr. Hattie Faison, a physician at University Health Services.

"You're at higher risk for cancer when you spend 10 summers laying out in the sun, but we don't say, 'You're definitely going to get it,' " Faison said.

According to the cancer society, overexposure to the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer. But Faison said physicians are not certain how much sun is too much.

Skin cancer can occur more often among people living in sunny areas of the country, such as Arizona and California, than in places receiving less sun, such as New England, Faison said.

There are three major types of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma, the most common type, is characterized by a small nodule on the head, neck or hand. The nodule grows slowly and can attack underlying tissue, according to the cancer society. It can be removed successfully and usually does not reoccur, Faison said.

Squamous cell carcinoma is also treatable, Faison said. It is marked by either nodules or red patches, which develop on the lips or face and can spread to other parts of the body.

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, according to the society. It can be cured if detected early, but may be life-threatening if not detected.

"The deeper it goes (into skin layers), the more serious it is," Faison said.

Melanoma is often linked to moles, which may change in shape, size and appearance, Faison said. It begins in skin cells, which produce melanin, the pigment that colors the skin.

Although chances of developing skin cancer increase among people who work or spend a great deal of time in the sun, there are many preventive measures that people can take, Faison said.

She recommended using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15, avoiding suntanning between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and limiting the amount of time in the sun.

But many sun worshipers will not heed these precautions, said Ginny Clickner, field representative for the cancer society.

"People will continue to abuse the sun," Clickner said. "When you're young, you don't know anyone with skin cancer so you don't think about it."

But Faison said many young people do think about skin cancer.

"Many people hear the word cancer and it scares them, even if it's not life threatening," Faison said. "That in itself will make a person concerned."

"A lot of students tell me they don't go out in the sun because they're afraid of developing it," Faison added.

The Student Health Resource Center will hold a Skin Cancer Awareness Program from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. today in Findlay and Waring commons, said Vivian Greene, graduate coordinator of SHRC.