DALLAS, May 16, 2002/ FW/ --- Bronzed skin? A healthy glow? You may think you look good today, but underneath it's not such a pretty picture.

That's because overexposure to the sun can lead to a serious form of skin cancer later in life. Knowing what to look for, when to visit a dermatologist and how to handle the situation could save your life.

• Actinic keratoses (AKs) affect more than five million Americans
• Left untreated, AKs can progress to squamous cell carcinoma, the second leading cause of skin cancer deaths in the US. At least 40 percent of squamous cell carcinomas begin as AKs
• Skin cancer accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States

AKs are caused by cumulative sun exposure. In fact, you receive more than 80 percent of your lifetime sun exposure by age 18 and its keeps accumulating, often through commonplace activities such as golfing or gardening.

Through greater awareness and treatment of AK, the incidence of invasive squamous cell carcinoma may be significantly reduced, which is why the American Academy of Dermatology is encouraging Americans to seek early diagnosis and proper treatment of AKs. If detected and treated early, almost all skin cancers can be cured.

For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.