(KAIR)--Overexposure to ultraviolet rays could increase your risk of contracting skin cancer.

That, according to Dr. Brian Matthys, a dermatologist with Sunflower Dermatology in Kansas City.
 
Matthys says skin cancer is more common that all other cancers combined. “One in five people will get skin cancer, and it's just something that we are seeing happen in younger people, and also in older people because of the lack of great sun protection products or advice during the times they were laying out or going to the pool. Just to give you an example, the statistics for melanoma, which is the most common of the deadly skin cancers, it used to be in the 1930's, the prevalence was 1 in 1,500, and today the prevalence is about 1 in 50 to get melanoma.”

Matthys says UV exposure has risen in recent years through the increased use of tanning beds, especially among young adults.

However, Matthys also advises to limit your exposure to the sun's rays as well. He says that “if you wear sun protection on a daily basis, just regular daily use of a SPF of 15 or higher, decreases the risk of the deadliest skin cancer by fifty percent...the other thing is, we would just encourage people to not purposely tan. Meaning, don't go by the pool in just your bikini laying out, or don't just get sun on purpose.”

Matthys says that most melanomas doctors see are very thin, and can be treated very effectively if seen promptly. He encourages people to see a dermatologist each year on their birthday to get a complete checkup and ensure their skin is well taken care of.