Imagine the sun is like a giant oven. Sometimes, it gets so hot it feels like you're baking inside ​it! You might enjoy playing on the beach, hanging out with friends, or riding in the car with ​the sun shining on you. The warm sun feels good, like a cozy blanket. But too much sun can be ​bad, so remember to wear sunscreen and take breaks in the shade! Too much sun can cause ​something called skin cancer, but don't worry, you'll be okay with simple steps!

What is Skin Cancer and how does it develop?

According to the Worldwide Cancer Research, Think of your skin like a protective shield that ​keeps you safe. But if you spend lots of time in the sun, it can make your skin cells grow in a ​strange way, which is called skin cancer. There are two main kinds: one grows slowly on the ​top layer of your skin and usually doesn't spread to other parts of your body.

The other type, called melanoma, is more serious because it can spread to different parts of ​your body. Did you know that more than 80% of skin cancers happen because people spend ​too much time in the sun? The sun gives off something called UV rays. If you get too much of ​them, they can make your skin cells act differently.

Myths of Skin Cancer

There are some beliefs about skin cancer that people have, but scientists and researchers ​have studied this for a long time and discovered that these beliefs aren't true.

• You don’t need to wear sunscreen on a cloudy day: False: Even on cloudy days, the sun's ​rays can find their way through, just like sunlight filtering through tree branches. So, it's ​important to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun, even when it's not sunny ​outside.
  

• A quick tan won’t hurt me if I’m not in the sun for too long: False. When you spend time in ​the sun, sometimes your skin can change color and become slightly darker. This is called a ​tan. Some people think it looks nice, like having a warm, sunny look. But even a little bit ​of tan means your skin has been touched by the sun's rays, which can hurt your skin. It ​might make you more likely to get sunburned, and that can make your skin feel sore and ​uncomfortable.
  

• I need to get sun exposure to get vitamin D. Not True. Vitamin D is like a special helper for ​your body. It helps your bones stay strong and healthy, similar to how good food helps ​you feel strong and full of energy. You can find vitamin D in foods like eggs, milk, cheese, ​and fish. So, you don't have to be in the sun for a long time to get vitamin D because these ​foods give your body what it needs to stay strong and grow well.
  

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Early Warning Signs of Skin Cancer

If you see any new or changing spots on your skin that last for two weeks or longer, ask your ​parents to show them to your doctor. This information is from the MD Anderson Cancer ​Center.

• A spot that changes in size, shape, or color.
• A spot that feels itchy or hurts.
  
• A sore that won't heal and bleeds or gets a scab.
  
• A shiny bump that is red or looks like your skin color.
  
• A rough or scaly red spot.
  

In the early stages of skin cancer, you might not feel sick like you would with a cold or flu. ​You might feel perfectly okay, but something could be wrong with your skin. If you've spent a ​lot of time in the sun and notice changes on your skin, talking to a doctor could be really ​important. It's like being a detective and finding clues to help keep you healthy!

Prevention Startegies

According to the CDC, you need to protect yourself from UV rays all year long, not just in the ​summer. UV rays can reach you even on cloudy or cool days, and they can bounce off surfaces ​like water, cement, sand, and snow. Just be mindful of your sun exposure and remember to ​wear sunscreen, even when it doesn't seem necessary.

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