One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, according to a new report from the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF). May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and the SCF is spreading the word on prevention and treatment of the disease.

More people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the U.S. than all other cancers combined, and skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer, according to the SCF.

Exposure to ultraviolet light is the main contributing factor in 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancer cases and 86 percent of melanoma cases. Understanding the risk factors, the SCF said, is one of the best ways to reduce the chances of developing skin cancer.

“It’s never too early or too late in life to start protecting your skin from sun damage,” said Dr. Deborah S. Sarnoff, president of The Skin Cancer Foundation.

The SCF recommends reducing exposure to the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when UV light is the strongest. It is recommended to follow the “shadow rule” which advises staying out of the sun if your shadow is shorter than you are.

It is also recommended to avoid getting sunburns. Statistics show that the risk of developing the deadliest forms of skin cancer is doubled when a person has had five or more sunburns during their lifetime.

It is also recommended to avoid all forms of tanning including UV tanning booths which increase the risk of developing melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer, by more than 74 percent.

Tanning beds also increase the risk of developing skin cancer—people who regularly use tanning beds have a 1.5 times greater risk of developing basal cell carcinoma and are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma.

“Parents and caregivers should teach children about sun protection at an early age and help them instil lifelong habits. Even after a lifetime of sun exposure, older people can stop further damage to their skin by making sun protection a priority.”

The SCF recommends covering up when outside. Densely woven and bright, dark-colored fabrics offer the best protection. Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. Clothing can be your most effective form of sun protection, so make the most of it by wearing densely woven materials.

It is also recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 or SPF 30 for extended periods outdoors.

The SCF suggests examining the skin from head to toe for signs of cancer at least once per month. This should be followed by an annual skin exam by a physician at least once per year.

More information about mobile skin cancer exam screenings and education programs can be found at DestinationHealthySkin.org.