LAUREL, MS (WDAM) - Dermatologists around the nation have declared the month of May "Skin Cancer Detection Month".
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, and if it's not detected early it can be deadly.
More and more adults are beginning to see the aftermath from years of sun exposure. They are a part of the 2.4 million people diagnosed with skin cancer every year.
"We have always had our fair number of older people who have had sun exposure during their working career come in for annual checkups," said Hattiesburg Dermatologist Dr. Steve Shapiro, "We are not as concerned with them because they are knowledgeable about the impact of sun and its impact on the skin."
It's young women ages 16 to 32 that The American Academy of Dermatology is worried about.
Over the last ten years, there has been a significant increase in the amount of women diagnosed with skin cancer.
"The type of cancer we are seeing in young women is the most severe type, which is melanoma," and Shapiro said, "Over the last ten years we have found that it is directly related to tanning bed exposure."
Tanning indoors is actually much worse than natural sun exposure. According to Shapiro, it's because the exposure to UVA and UVB rays is unlimited.
"Most people today are using protective measures such as, sun block that has UVA and UVB protection, but when they get into the tanning bed they don't use block, they want to get that quick tan. Unfortunately, the rays they are getting are carcinogenic and we don't really control to any great extent how much exposure they get."
The Federal Government did implement a tanning tax in 2010, to sway sun worshipers away from artificial tanning, but if you ask Shapiro, it had virtually no effect on those obsessed with staying tan.
"It's basically a general feeling that people have, that they look better when their skin is darker, psychologically they feel better. They also feel, that when it comes to the summer months it's the natural thing to do."
Shapiro said, the best way to look like you have a suntan without the detrimental side effects, is to buy spray on, or lotion based tanning products.
He also said, always wear sun block and protective clothing while outdoors, especially this time of year.
"I am going to make a plea for all young women to get looked at by their Dermatologist at some point on a yearly basis, if they have been in tanning beds. I can say, that in my own practice we have had several female patients with melanoma over the last five years."
Any new marks on your body or old ones that have changed shape, color or have developed a scab should be checked out immediately.
Saturday, May 21, from 8 a.m. to 11a.m. Dr. Shapiro will hold a free skin cancer screening at his office located on 1420 Jefferson Street in Laurel. No appointment is necessary.
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