Melanoma is on the rise. How to protect yourself beyond sunscreen...

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and we’re all at risk...

Older adults are more likely to get it but it’s the number one killer cancer in young adults. Most at risk are young women 18 to 39. Everyone should be checked annually, especially if you’re a light-skinned caucasian - but it’s important to know any color skin can get cancer. Don’t be fooled if you use sunscreen or don’t spend a lot of time in the sun. That’s not good enough. Many skin cancers erupt in areas that aren’t even exposed, like between the toes. 

There is new, superior technology available to check for melanoma, it’s called epi-luminescence microscopy. However, that equipment is expensive and many private practices can’t afford it yet. You might want to get your checkups at a medical center or dermatology practice that specializes in early melanoma detection.