The fact is, skin cancer numbers are scary

Skin cancer. If that one little phrase doesn't scare you, it should.

Despite our knowledge of the disease, instances of skin cancer have been increasing steadily since the 1950s, when sun tanning became all the rage. More than a half a century later, people are much more informed about skin cancer, yet the numbers are still growing. What gives?

Well, if you're like so many people, you know the risks of sun exposure and might even lecture your kids and grandkids about the importance of using sunscreen, but still aren't willing to give up your summer tan. In fact residents of resort areas, like ours, are much more susceptible to skin cancer — probably due to the long days spent out on the lake on days with a high UV index (like today).

Because of this community's added risk, I thought a skin cancer refresher course might be beneficial. To begin, we should note that skin is indeed the human body's largest organ. It protects us from the elements, regulates our temperature, stores water and fat and does a pretty good job of keeping our insides where they're supposed to be.

Human skin is made up of three different types of cells; squamous cells (the top layer of the skin), basal cells (the middle layer) and melanocytes (the deepest layer). If these names sound familiar to you, they should. They are directly related to the names of the three major types of skin cancer; squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, affecting hundreds of thousands of Americans every year. It often appears in the form of a small sore or a patch of flaky, discolored skin. Luckily, the cure rate for this common type of cancer is high, especially if caught early on. Keep in mind that you do have to be diligent in looking for it, and it could easily appear on a hard to see spot like the back or shoulders. If undetected, this cancer can spread to muscle or bone tissue, causing permanent damage.

Squamous cell carcinoma is also very common, affecting the top layer of skin cells. It can look much like basal cell carcinoma, but often changes tissue coloration to a larger degree. This type of cancer commonly appears on skin that is already abnormal, such as scar tissue, moles or diseased skin, which can make the cancer harder to detect.

Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, affecting the deepest layer of the tissue and accounting for about 75 percent of skin-cancer related deaths. This type of cancer can be very deadly because unlike the other types, it can spread aggressively throughout the body, often through the blood and lymph system, to the detriment of organs and bones. It often looks like a dark mole with an irregular outline when it first appears. If you find something like this on your body, be sure to have it checked by a physician right away, as melanoma can spread quickly.

Skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body, but it most commonly appears on skin that has been exposed to sunlight — face, chest, hands, arms and legs on women and face, chest, arms and back on men. People most at risk are those with lighter natural skin tones, those with a family history of skin cancer and those who had lost of exposure to the sun as a kid. Red heads and blonds with blue or green eyes are particularly at risk, as are people with freckles.

The main thing to remember about skin cancer is that it is for the most part a preventable disease. Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays is something we all can control. This summer, make it a habit to always wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it often throughout the day, especially after swimming or sweating — even if the brand you're using is labeled as "waterproof." Stay out of the sun during the hottest hours of the day, and steer clear of tanning beds.

Also, wear lightweight layers when possible and always remember to wear a brimmed hat and sunglasses. If you typically wear a baseball cap in the sun, that's great, just remember to liberally coat the back of your neck with sunscreen. Most importantly, if you notice something unusual with your skin, and you think it just might be cancerous, talk to your physician immediately. He or she might suggest that the area be removed (a relatively painless procedure) and then send it off to a lab to test it for cancer.

All types of skin cancer have a high cure rate if detected early. Awareness is the greatest tool we have against this disease, so use it to your best advantage.