Spring break is just around the corner, but if you’re headed for the sun-baked shores, be warned: A new study shows a link between warm-weather vacations and greater numbers of moles in white women. Since large numbers of moles are a risk factor for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, the implications are frightening. According to a study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, white English women who vacation in hot countries have 74 percent more moles than those who have never vacationed in tropical climates.

MONA GOHARA, MD, AND MARITZA PEREZ, MD

Caucasians are the primary victims of skin cancer. However, everyone, regardless of skin color, can fall prey to it. Unfortunately, many patients and even some physicians are under the impression that non-Caucasian people are immune to this disease. That is one reason people of color are diagnosed with skin cancer at later stages. These delays mean that skin cancers are often advanced and potentially fatal, whereas most skin cancers are curable if caught and treated in a timely manner. Tragically, this is what happened to legendary reggae musician Bob Marley: What was dismissed as a soccer injury under his toenail turned out to be an aggressive form of melanoma that ultimately caused his death at 36. Mr. Marley’s story reminds us why both medical providers and the public need to be educated about skin cancer and skin of color.

Glamour magazine is partnering for this year’s race benefiting The Skin Cancer Foundation. It promises to be the biggest and best Sun Run to date. Your support this year is more important than ever — a great showing on race day is the best way for us to continue to engage such phenomenal partners!

When you think about protecting your skin from the sun, what comes first to mind? Your face? Your neck? What about your hands?

Unless you always wear gloves, your hands receive a tremendous amount of sun exposure over time. And about 90 percent of the visible skin changes attributed to aging — which appear on your hands as wrinkles, brown spots and leathery skin — are caused by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation.