The Columbia Association and Howard County Health Department urge you to practice sun safety this summer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. These two types are highly curable.

Melanoma, the third most common form of skin cancer, is more dangerous. Approximately 65-95 percent of melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays. Melanoma is completely curable if caught early. Signs of melanoma include:

• A moles that is asymmetrical
  
• A mole that has irregular borders
• A mole with a diameter larger than 6 millimeters
  
• Irregularly colored moles (black, red, brown or a mix)
  
• A mole that is elevated
  
• Redness surrounding a mole

It only takes a few serious sunburns early in life to increase the risk of skin cancer later. It is important to remember to protect your skin from the sun any time you are outdoors.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these five easy tips for protecting yourself from the sun's harmful rays.

1. Seek shade, especially during the midday hours (10 a.m.-4 p.m.), when the sun's rays are strongest.
   
2. Cover exposed skin with clothing.
   
3. Apply sunscreen, at least SPF 15, 30 minutes prior to going outside. Re-apply liberally and frequently, especially after swimming or sweating (water resistant sunscreen should be re-applied, too).
4. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect face, neck and ears.
   
5. Use sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection that wrap around.
   

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