The incidence of skin cancer has been rapidly increasing nationally. Because more than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure, protecting yourself from the sun is the key to preventing skin cancers and pre-cancers. Sun protection will also reduce sun damage and early signs of aging such as wrinkling, sun spots, uneven pigmentation, fragile blood vessels, and loss of skin elasticity. Skin damage occurs each time we are exposed to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun and accumulates over the course of a lifetime. The damage that leads to adult skin cancer starts in childhood. Therefore, it is important to protect yourself and your family, especially children, from the harmful rays of the sun all year round. Do not sunbathe. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the peak hours when harmful ultraviolet rays are the strongest. Apply sunscreens SPF 15 or greater generously, uniformly and frequently when outdoors. Wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, broad-brimmed hats, and UV-protective sunglasses. Avoid artificial tanning devices. Know your skin and perform regular self skin examinations so you can take notice of worrisome changes. Be pro-active about your health and make routine visits to your dermatologist, especially if you have a history of skin cancer or if you have any suspicious changes in a skin lesion.