Skin experts have advised people to be careful as summer has begun. When people are out on the beach, the lake or the pool, they are exposed to the sun's rays that can cause serious damage to their skin. The US is one the countries facing the brunt of melanoma, making it important for the people there to protect themselves in general and their children in particular.

"Skin cancer is about half of the diagnoses when you combine all other cancers, and we know that one in five children at some point in their life will develop some form of skin cancer", said Lindsay Turner, a spokesperson for the Mid-South division of the American Cancer Society.

Dr. Brian Gastman of the Cleveland Clinic said sun exposure to children is comparable to letting your children smoke in the eighth grade. The major risk of melanoma for children comes from bad sunburns.

A study showed that an average rise of 2% had been witnessed between 1973 and 2009 for melanoma in children. Teen girls accounted for the majority, raising special concern for them.

Indoor tanning significantly increases the risk of melanoma, said skin experts. High risk of melanoma also looms over people who have fair skin, hair and eyes. May 22 marks Don't Fry Day to create skin cancer awareness, so that people can learn about ways to help them stay prevented from skin damage.

The Sun's rays are the most intense in the northern hemisphere during the summer months, which significantly increases the risk of skin damage. People are advised to not let themselves get exposed too much to the sun between 10 am and 4 pm as the sunrays are most intense during that time.