Americans are being diagnosed with dangerous skin cancers at an increasing rate, a fact which young people on spring break should take into account when on the beach, according to the American Academy of Dermatologists.

Dr. Brett Coldiron recently told the group's annual meeting about the alarming increase, and said the numbers could be worse than previously indicated.

"While the American Cancer Society estimates more than 2 million new skin cancers will be diagnosed this year, our research shows that the annual incidence in 2008 could actually have been 3.7 million," he said.

Ultraviolet light exposure - common among those who tan for vanity reasons - is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, but many still choose to use tanning beds or tan outdoors with not enough protective lotion, the group said.

Dermatologists say using sunblock with at least a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 and which blocks both UVA and UVB radiation is necessary to be protected when in direct sunlight. Down the line, excessive UV exposure could increase one's risk for skin cancer and attendant high health insurance rates.