Singer Jimmy Buffett died Sept.1  after a four year long battle with skin cancer. He was 76 years old.

The disease can sometimes go unnoticed and is something that needs checked for frequently. In a world where sun-kissed skin is celebrated, a stark reality looms-all skin cancers can be fatal.

Amanda Lencyk, trauma injury prevention and outreach coordinator at Mercy Health, said skin cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers, but it is largely preventable. One of the best defenses is wearing sunscreen.

"When we think about applying sunscreen we think about applying it to areas that are going to be exposed to the sun. However, it is really important to put it all over your body even underneath your clothing," Lencyk said.

Wearing wide-brimmed hats, protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, and staying in the shade can provide extra protection against harsh sun rays.

Lencyk said family history of skin cancer is a common risk factor. She recommends getting routine skin cancer screenings.

"Between the ages of 20 and 30, just getting regular checkups or annual checkups with a dermatologist is the best way to keep an eye on things that may look suspicious," Lencyk said.