The AAD even sent out packages of orange m&ms imprinted with their logo and the #SPOT orange hashtag. That led some melanoma advocates to cry foul, saying the disease that kills one person every hour is not sweet or fun and should be taken more seriously. Some also say that black is the color of melanoma awareness and feel offended by orange, the color of “fake tans.” We understand how serious and deadly melanoma can be but we also say, whatever works!

Something needs to be done—and now. Melanoma is on the rise among young people, especially young women who have done indoor tanning. In fact, the FDA is considering really cracking down on this dangerous habit. Meanwhile, it’s proven to be carcinogenic, so steer clear.

There are lots of helpful tools and links on the AAD site to motivate you. My favorite is this downloadable Body Mole Map, which can help you keep track of spots that may be changing—and includes photos of what to look for. I’m using mine! You still have to see a dermatologist regularly, though, for a professional skin check. (See my video on what to expect here.)

The Skin Cancer Foundation has great resources, too. A must-read: “Even One Pre-Prom Tan Can Be Dangerous,” in which a young melanoma survivor (she was diagnosed at only 23) shares her regrets.

Another must-read (okay, I wrote it) is our story in the June issue of the Journal: “Freckle, Mole or Skin Cancer?” In it, a woman who was seven months pregnant saw a small black spot on her leg and thought it was a tick. It wasn’t.

Our story also has great advice on what you need to know about getting a biopsy, and how to trust your instincts about any suspicious spot on your body. Plus the latest on sunscreens, which are getting better all the time. Remember: You have the power to prevent skin cancer.

But if you are diagnosed, here’s a great blog by Lisa Collier Cool, a member of our new blogger team, on the latest medical breakthroughs to treat it.

Addendum: Read the AAD’s response to the color controversy on its Facebook page.

Want to learn more about skin cancer, tanning and its risks? Check out the first article in our three-part series on skin cancer.

Previous research demonstrated a weak link between tanning beds and melanoma. But this study establishes a much firmer association, supporting what many dermatologists have long suspected: Indoor tanning, regardless of what type of device used, increases your risk for melanoma. In fact, using high-speed/high-intensity devices doubles your risk; high-pressure devices can quadruple it. Moreover, the more you use tanning beds (whether measured in hours, sessions or years), the greater your risk. The FDA is so concerned, it’s considering a ban on their use among teens.

So are tanning beds worse than sun exposure? It’s unclear, but you can burn from both. “The real take-home message is that UV radiation, regardless of its source, is harmful,” says lead researcher DeAnn Lazovich, Ph.D.

Not convinced that pale is beautiful? Try our favorite sun-less tanners.

Photo courtesy Evil Erin