Think Twice about that "Healthy" Tan - Be Sun Smart So -- you envy people with a "healthy" tan? Think again!

Unfortunately, what you might consider "healthy" is actually closely linked with the most common group of cancers.

Skin cancers account for one third of all cancers in the United States. Most people with skin cancer develop a non-melanoma cancer, either basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma. Death from either of these is unusual.

That is not true for melanoma.

Even though melanoma accounts for only 4 percent of all skin cancers, it causes 75 percent of all skin cancer deaths.

While non-melanoma skin cancer primarily affects older people, melanoma's peak incidence is in the 20- to 45-year-old age group.

What factors are associated with increased risk of skin cancer?

Both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer occur more often with Caucasian race, especially people who:

-- Have a fair complexion.

-- Have red, blonde, or light brown hair.

-- Tend to burn easily, tan poorly or freckle.

-- Have Celtic ancestry.

-- Live closer to the equator.

Additional risk factors for non-melanoma cancers include, increasing age, being male, having an outdoor occupation, and cumulative sun exposure.

Increased risk factors for melanoma radiation exposure include a first- or second-degree relative with melanoma, a high number of benign "moles," intense intermittent sun exposure, and experiencing blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence.

Most skin cancers grow slowly, so early detection is key to successful treatment.

Every six months you should check your entire body, including your lips, eyelids, scalp, back and the backs of your thighs.

Follow the ABCD's when checking moles or other pigmented spots. Consult your doctor if you find one or more of these:

-- A - Asymmetry, one half does not mirror the other.

-- B - Border, irregular (scalloped or poorly delineated edge).

-- C - Color, variation in shades of tan and brown, black or even white, red, or blue.

-- D - Diameter, larger than 6 mm (the diameter of a pencil eraser), especially if increasing in size.

Other suspicious signs include any sore that does not heal within two weeks, or repeated cracking or bleeding.

Prevention is the most important step in lowering skin cancer risk and the main key is reducing your xposure to the sun. Be sun smart:

-- Don't sunbathe - Avoid the peak UV-B exposure times from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

-- Wear sunblock - SPF 15 or higher when outdoors. Apply it liberally, on all sun- exposed areas, and often.

-- Wear protective clothing - long pants and long sleeved shirts of a tightly woven material, broad-brimmed hats, and UV protective sunglasses.

-- Don't use tanning devices - UV-A light is also harmful, and penetrates more deeply.

-- Especially protect young children from sunburns and blistering.

In addition, UHS and the Pennsylvania Department of Health are co-sponsoring a health education booth at the HUB-Robeson Center tomorrow. Representatives and information will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Stop by, register for prizes and learn to be Sun Smart!