People don't have to see the sun to be exposed to its harmful UV rays.  Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun's rays can penetrate the skin.

"I think we should be concerned.  Skin cancer has been increasing," said Dr. Sanaullah Khalid.  "The incidence of skin cancer has been increasing.  It is particularly seen in patients who don't live in the tropics, more Caucasians, light hair, light eyes."

For the first time, researchers at Ohio State's James Cancer Center have conducted studies, which have determined that SPF 30 sunscreens reduce the risk of melanoma by 80%.

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer.  More than 76,000 cases are expected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2016, with about 46,000 cases found in men, 30,000 cases diagnosed in women.

"Typically, it is a mole.  It is asymmetric," said Dr. Khalid.  "Often, it is picked up by a loved one who noticed the mole is changing in its color and its size and that's when you end up going to a dermatologist, getting a biopsy."

The best protection against the sun is barriers like hats and sunglasses, as well as sun screen.
If you're going to be in the sun, it's recommended you apply a water-resistant, broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30, every two hours.

"The primary mode of treatment is surgical resection, usually if it is small just by dermatologist, if necessary further surgical resection, sometimes a lymph node biopsies or lymph nodes resections are necessary," said Dr. Khalid.

The five-year survival rate for those whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads, is 98%.