On the rise: Young people developing skin cancer

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, an alarming number young people are developing skin cancer.

Apparently in the last forty years the rate of melanoma has increased by 800 percent in women between the ages of 18 and 39, and 400 percent for men in that same age group.

Arlene Schneider, with the American Cancer Society says she believes a part of this increase has to do with the growing popularity of tanning beds.

However, she says the bottom line is if you haven’t been being sun safe, it’s not too to start. You should see a doctor is you see anything out of the ordinary with your skin. 

Schneider continues, “Early detection really is the key to make sure that it doesn’t get out of hand and turn into a serious melanoma.”

Any change on your skin, especially in the size or color of a mole, growth, or spot, or a new growth, even if it has no color, are possible signs and symptoms of skin cancer.