We lived in Texas, so it was hardly necessary. Nevertheless a lovely young coworker - age 20 at the time - tanned several times per week in a booth. Most sunny days she tanned outside too. Her naturally white skin was dark brown against her blonde hair. It also felt and looked like leather. She already had wrinkles around her eyes and on her hands. Ironically, what she did for her looks also took away from them.

I changed jobs. Later I heard she developed skin cancer. One in five Americans will develop this largely preventable disease - nearly 14 million (melanoma and nonmelanoma) now live with it.

Just in time for summer, May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. The sun is especially welcome in northern climes, good for its vitamin D as much as its mood boost. Nevertheless like other good things, in extreme doses light waves do harm. According to Dr. Perry Robins, president of the Skin Cancer Foundation, 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 65 percent of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

Treated early, it's curable. Otherwise it can lead to disfigurement and premature death. Types of skin cancer include:

* Basal cell carcinoma: The most common type and a skin growth that increases in size and can appear pearly, translucent, tan, brown, black, or multicolored.

* Squamous cell carcinoma: Looks like a thick, rough, scaly patch, or an open sore that doesn't heal within three weeks.

* Melanoma: A mole, birthmark, beauty mark, or any brown spot that changes color or texture, increases in size or thickness, or is asymmetrical and appears after age 21.

* Actinic keratosis: Spots on a bald scalp from chronic sun damage; typically elevated, scaly, dry, and rough in texture.

Ways to reduce risk are:

* Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is strongest. Know the "shadow rule:" If your shadow is shorter than you are, harmful UV radiation is stronger.

* Don't burn. Risk for melanoma doubles with five or more sunburns at any point in life. For babies, just one sunburn can do the same, so keep them covered and shaded.

* Avoid tanning booths. Any cancer doc will confirm their danger; the more you do it, the more you risk it. Just four tanning salon visits per year can increase the risk for the most common skin cancers by 15 percent (add that up for five or 10 more years).

* Cover up: Sleeves are good, but at least hats and UV-blocking sunglasses. Clothing can be the most effective form of protection, especially densely woven and dark-colored fabrics.

* Use broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen: SPF of 15 or higher. For extended outdoor activity, use water-resistant with an SPF of 30 or higher - one ounce (2 tbps.) to the entire body 30 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours and after swimming.

* Check your skin monthly: While self-exams shouldn't replace an annual skin exam by a physician, they're the likeliest chance of early detection. If you notice any change in an existing mole or discover a new one that looks suspicious (misshapen, funny borders), see a physician.

For photographic examples and more information see Skincancer.org.

Sholeh Patrick is a hat-adorned columnist for the Hagadone News Network you'll never see tanning. Contact her at sholehjo@hotmail.com.