Not all melanomas are alike, and the characteristics of a fast-growing melanoma skin cancer begin in skin tumors that are thicker, symmetrical, elevated, have regular borders or have symptoms, according to the conclusions of a survey study completed by Peter MacCallum Cancer Center researchers. They also note that the faster-growing melanoma is more likely to affect men 70 years or older and individuals with fewer moles and freckles.

"In summary, this study provides descriptive data on the spectrum of melanoma rates of growth and insights into subgroups of patients with melanoma that are associated with rapid growth," stated the researchers. "We propose that this information on melanoma rate of growth be incorporated into education programs for patients and health professionals."

The advantage of identifying the more aggressive melanoma will allow for more aggressive treatment. Details of the study will be published in the December issue of Archives of Dermatology. Of the different skin cancers, melanoma is the most serious and most often appears as a change in size, shape, or color of a mole. To learn more about melanoma, visit the National Cancer Institute's melanoma section and The Cancer Blog's melanoma and skin cancer category of posts.

Sunscreen, designed to protect the user from sun skin damage might actually cause sun skin damage if applied incorrectly and infrequently. University of California Riverside chemists examined the effects of sunscreen lotion on the skin and found that after a period of time, the lotion or cream is absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. If more sunscreen is not applied to block ultraviolet radiation (UV), the sunscreen that has been absorbed into the deeper layers of skin creates additional oxidative damage as UV rays are able to penetrate through to the deeper layers where the sunscreen has been absorbed. When sunscreen is applied often, this does not happen.

There is only one practical solution at this time and that is to apply sunscreen lotion or cream often, about every two hours or after sweating or swimming. Researchers suggest another potential solution would be for sunscreen makers to mix sunscreen with antioxidants because antioxidants have been shown to reduce UV-induced damage to the skin. UC has published an in-depth explanation with photos of effects to the skin following the sunscreen experiments here.

If you wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the damaging rays of the sun that can lead to skin cancer, there are prescription drugs that can increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet light leading to a sunburn even with the added protection of sunscreen lotion, according to a CBS News published article Some Skin Products Up Cancer Risk.

The drugs to be aware of are: diuretics, antibiotics, heart medications, diabetes medications, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain drugs. In addition, skin care products such as Retin-A, alpha hydroxy acid, microdermabrasion products and Balsam of Peru can put you at increased risk of sunburn.

"Depending on the type of drug and how long you've been taking it, it can remain in your system from one to five days," says Bill Bailey, RPh, director of specialized care centers for Medicine Shoppe in St. Louis. "To be on the safe side, always ask the pharmacist about the effects of your medications on sun exposure. They'll go online and get current, accurate information."

For all the sun damage prevention advice and tips provided in the article, go here.