"In 1975, roughly 8 in every 100,000 people were diagnosed with melanoma — the most dangerous form of skin cancer. By 2018, that number had tripled to more than 25 in every 100,000."

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world — but also one of the most preventable. Despite how widespread it is, most of us still underestimate the risks that come with too much sun, and overestimate how well we're protecting ourselves. The good news? A little knowledge goes a long way. So let's get into it — what skin cancer actually is, how to spot warning signs early, and how to enjoy the sun without letting it work against you.

Skin cancer happens when skin cells start growing out of control — usually because UV radiation has damaged their DNA. Over time, that damage builds up and can trigger mutations that cause abnormal cell growth. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or skin tone, though people with lighter skin and more sun exposure tend to face higher risk.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually looks like a small, shiny or waxy bump, or a sore that just won't heal — sometimes for weeks or months. The good news is that it grows slowly and almost never spreads to other parts of the body. The catch is that if you ignore it, it can quietly eat into the surrounding skin and tissue, causing serious damage that becomes much harder to treat.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is a step up in seriousness. It tends to appear as a rough, scaly patch or a raised lump that grows over time. Unlike BCC, it can spread to deeper layers of skin and, if left too long, to other parts of the body — so catching it early really matters.

Melanoma is the one to be most aware of. It often starts in a mole or appears as a new dark, irregularly shaped mark on the skin — one that might have an uneven colour, ragged edges, or change appearance over time. What makes it dangerous is how fast it can spread to other organs if it's not caught early. It's the least common of the three, but the most deadly — which is why it gets so much attention.

The earlier skin cancer is caught, the easier it is to treat. That's why regular skin checks matter. When you're looking at a mole or spot, use the ABCDE method:

• A — Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other.
• B — Border: The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred rather than smooth.
• C — Colour: There's variation in shade — different browns, blacks, or even patches of red, white, or blue.
• D — Diameter: The spot is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) — though melanomas can be smaller.
• E — Evolution: The spot is changing in size, shape, colour, or elevation — or it's a new spot that looks different from your others.

If any of these apply, don't wait it out. Get it checked by a dermatologist.

Once a month, take 10 minutes in good lighting to look over your skin from head to toe — including your scalp, the soles of your feet, between your toes, and your nails. Use a hand mirror for hard-to-see areas like your back and the back of your legs. Getting to know your skin means you'll actually notice when something changes.

When in doubt, see a derm. Annual skin checks with a dermatologist are recommended for everyone, and more frequently if you're in a higher risk group.

Sunburn isn't just a temporary annoyance — it's your skin telling you its DNA has been damaged. And that damage sticks around long after the redness fades.

• One blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence doubles the lifetime risk of melanoma.
• UV damage is cumulative — every burn adds up over the years.
• A "base tan" doesn't protect you. Any tan is a sign of skin cell injury. It looks healthy; it isn't.

UV exposure is necessary for human health and vitamin D production — but the amount needed to cause a tan is already too much for your skin. This isn't about avoiding the sun entirely. It's about being smart with it: using sunscreen, covering up during peak hours, and understanding that moderation is what actually keeps you safe.

Most people remember to put sunscreen on their face and shoulders. But skin cancer can develop anywhere, including places that are easy to overlook:

• Lips — use an SPF lip balm, every day.
• Scalp and hairline — especially if you have a parting, thinning hair, or shave your head.
• Ears — back and tops.
• Eyes — UV-blocking sunglasses protect the delicate skin around your eyes and reduce the risk of eye-related UV damage.
• Tops of feet and backs of hands — easy to forget on a beach day.

Sun protection isn't just for summer. UV radiation is present all year and at its most deceptive on overcast days — clouds block warmth and light, but not UV rays. Snow, water, and sand all reflect UV and intensify exposure. If you're skiing, sailing, or simply out for a winter walk at midday, your skin is still absorbing UV.

Some factors raise the risk. Ask yourself:

• Do I have fair skin, freckles, light eyes, and/or reddish hair?
• Have I had multiple sunburns in my life?
• Do I spend a lot of time outdoors without protection?
• Have I used tanning beds?
• Does skin cancer run in my family?

The more "yes" answers, the more important it is to be consistent about protection and to schedule regular skin checks.

Children's skin is more sensitive and more vulnerable to UV damage than adult skin — and the damage caused in childhood carries long-term consequences. One blistering sunburn before age 18 can double the risk of melanoma later in life. Sun safety habits formed early last a lifetime.

SPF 30 and SPF 50 are both solid choices for children, as long as the sunscreen is mineral-based, offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, and is applied and reapplied properly.

• SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays
• SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays

The difference is small. Consistent, thorough application matters far more than chasing the highest SPF number.

When choosing a sunscreen — for yourself or your child — here's what to look for:

✔ Broad-spectrum protection — covers both UVA and UVB rays.

✔ Mineral UV filters — Non-Nano Zinc Oxide or Non-Nano Titanium Dioxide sit on the skin's surface rather than absorbing into it.

✔ SPF 30–50 — effective protection. Reapplication matters more than very high SPF numbers.

✔ Water resistance — 40 minutes for general outdoor play; 80 minutes for extended time in water.

✔ Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free — especially important for sensitive or young skin.

All Suntribe sunscreens are made with 100% natural and organic ingredients and tick all of the above boxes — including being safe for the whole family, from babies to adults.