The word cancer brings fear to all of us. We've all spent time in the sun as children, and never gave a second thought to it's effect on our bodies during that period in our active lives. As we mature and become adults, we are faced with the fact that all of those childhood hours in the sun can't be erased. Many of us will hear the words, "You have skin cancer," spoken to us by a doctor in the future.

Your doctor or another medical professional can give you a list skin cancer signs to look for on your body. Some of the larger medical schools and cancer institutions in the United States are now providing free skin cancer screening programs to the public in order to do research in this field with their students. In our large metropolis, there is such a school that has saved untold numbers of people from horrible scarring and even death by such screenings. If left undetected, some skin cancers may mutate and turn into deadly melanoma cancer. Contact your doctor and/or medical schools in your area to see if such research may exist. If not, learn the signs of different types of skin cancer and notify your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection can prevent noticeable scarring, and the risk of future problems associated with skin cancer.

Now, for a word of wisdom from all of the wonderful professionals I've had the unfortunate opportunity to have to speak with over the past few years. ALWAYS USE SUNSCREEN! Check with your family doctor for the recommended types of sunscreen they feel are best for your family. If you are the parent of an infant, toddler or underage child, make sure they have sunscreen on before playing in the sun. Now, a few further words of wisdom for all of us adults who still do, play in the sun...ALWAYS USE SUNSCREEN!