Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in this country. About one in 55 of us will get the most deadly form -- melanoma -- in our lifetime. Last year, more than 8,000 Americans died of melanoma. But there are actually SIX common myths about skin cancer.

Myth #1: Only fair-skinned people get skin cancer.
"Darker skin types can be under diagnosed for skin cancer," said Dermatologist Michelle Pelle, from Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, California. She said in dark-skinned people, skin cancer often shows up under fingernails or on the soles of feet.

Myth #2: Only burns lead to skin cancer.
"No tan is safe. Every time you're sun exposed, you're damaging DNA," said Dr. Pelle.

A new study shows the shine of lip gloss may actually attract UV rays and increase the risk of skin cancer. "The lip is a very sensitive area of skin and tends to get burned more frequently," said Dr. Dennis Rousseau, Surgical Oncologist with Florida Hospital Cancer Institute in Orlando, Florida.

Myth #3: Tanning beds are safer than the actual sun.
Experts say 20 minutes in a bed is equal to about 4 hours in the sun.

Myth #4: Your clothes protect against the sun.
"A t-shirt might have an SPF of six to eight, which is not really adequate," said Dr. Rousseau.

Experts recommend you apply sunscreen even under clothes and use enough -- about a shot glass full for the entire body. Try non-glossy chapstick, cover up, and check yourself monthly for suspicious moles.

"Most normal moles have a uniform color, have fairly regular borders and are smaller than six millimeters in size," said Dr. Rousseau.

One last myth -- it's not just in your genes. Research shows less than 10% of melanomas are genetic. The majority are caused by something you can avoid -- the sun. Recent research has shown women with a Vitamin D deficiency are more likely to develop breast cancer.