Continue vigilant protection against summer sun By Jarrod P. Kaufman, M.D., F.A.C.S. There are still many hot and sunny days remaining this summer. Continuing to be vigilant about protecting yourself from the sun is well worth the effort.Skin cancer is on the rise,and 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. The sun can harm your skin in surprising ways.UV rays still can burn your skin when you are in the car,wearing sunglasses or protected by an umbrella.Apply sunscreen daily and repeat during the day if you will be exposed to direct sun.Cover up with a hat and lightweight clothing.Avoid direct sun between 10 a.m.and 4 p.m. Indoor tanning salons are not an alternative to outdoor sunbathing.Tanning beds deliver UV rays that are as dangerous as UV rays from the sun. High-pressure tanning bulbs can deliver up to 15 times the UV radiation received from the sun. There are three major types of skin cancer. Melanoma is the most serious skin cancer accounting for the majority of deaths; basal cell carcinoma is the most common, but most easily treated and least likely to spread;and squamous cell carcinoma is the least common skin cancer,which can invade other parts of the body. Devote a few minutes each month and closely examine your skin. Make an appointment to see your doctor if you observe any of these skin changes — new moles that appear on the skin;moles that change in size, coloration or texture; bleeding or fluid-filled moles;or a change in skin sensation such as itching or tenderness. If you are diagnosed with melanoma,a minimally invasive surgical technique called a sentinel lymph node biopsy can ascertain if the disease has spread to the lymph nodes, which can allow the cancer to spread to other parts of the body. It can also confirm the prognosis, stage of cancer and appropriate treatment options. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers and one in fiveAmericans will be diagnosed. But the positive news is when discovered early, even more aggressive skin cancers can be successfully treated. CentraState Medical Center's Comprehensive Cancer Program offers the latest diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitative cancer care services managed by a consortium of specially trained clinicians. It is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.CentraState also is a clinical research affiliate of The Cancer Institute of New Jersey. For more information, call 866-CENTRA7 (236-8727) or visit centrastate. com. Dr.Kaufman is a board-certified general surgeon on staff at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold.He can be reached at Advanced Surgical Associates of Central Jersey in Freehold, 732-303-3837.