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Every year more than one million people in America develop skin cancer and approximately 10,000 die from it annually, according to the American Cancer Society. That is more than one death per hour nationwide.

Melanoma, a common form of skin cancer usually seen in older adults, is now showing up in a younger group, including teens and those in their 20s, says the American Dermatology Association. Doctors are concerned about the sudden increase in skin cancer and are stressing the need to protect the public, especially children, from harmful sun exposure.

Research suggests that most people receive about 80 percent of their lifetime exposure prior to age 18. Only one severe sunburn during childhood could double the risk of developing one of the deadliest forms of cancer, melanoma, later in life, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, American Cancer Society, and AMC Cancer Research Center.

Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays apparently is the most important environmental factor involved in the development of skin cancer. Practice the following sun-protective measures consistently to prevent skin cancer and perhaps save your life.

• Use sunscreen. It must be SPF 15 or higher. Apply at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and repeat often. Also, sunscreen bottles last only about a year.

• Avoid the midday sun. 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. is when the sun’s rays are the brightest.

• Child alert. Many cases of skin cancer and melanoma can be traced to bad sunburns and exposure as a child. Limit their sun time. Insist on sun block, protective clothing, and hats.

• Cover the head and eyes. Adopt wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.

• Seek out the shade. You will be cooler and reduce your risk of skin cancer.

Skin cancer facts

Most skin cancers are curable but melanoma can be deadly. It kills nearly 8,000 per year and is on the rise. Data is from the American Cancer Society and the Skin Cancer Foundation:

• More than 90 percent of skin cancer is caused by sun exposure and can be prevented.

• Skin cancer accounts for more than 50 percent of all cancers combined.

• More than one million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year.

• Skin cancer is most deadly for African-Americans, Asians and Latinos.

• One in three Caucasians will be diagnosed with skin cancer sometime in their lives.

• One bad sunburn in childhood doubles the risk factor for melanoma later in life.

• Men are diagnosed with skin cancer more often than women.

• There will be about 108,230 new cases of melanoma in 2007 — 48,290 in situ (noninvasive) and 59,940 invasive (33,910 men and 26,030 women). In 2007, at current rates, a person has a one in 33 chance of developing melanoma (both in situ and invasive). The risk of developing invasive melanoma is one in 63.

• One American dies of melanoma every hour. In 2007, 8,110 deaths will be attributed to melanoma — 5,220 men and 2,890 women. Older Caucasian males have the highest mortality rates from melanoma.

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Kay Sager is a certified fitness and aquatic specialist living at Port of the Islands. She is a personal trainer using land and water fitness and teaches swimming. She also has written articles for Physician and Sports Medicine among other publications. Kay can be reached by e-mail: kswimfit@aol.com.Don’t be a statistic. You know what to do.