BOSTON -- The focus on Wednesday's health alert was on skin cancer. It is by far the most prevalent form of cancer, according to the American Dermatology Association. More than one million new cases are diagnosed every year.

As NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported, "Good Morning America's" Sam Champion was one of them.

"Cancer like this has been found on me four times. Once on my shoulder. Once on my chest. Twice on my shoulder. And once on my other shoulder," Good Morning America's Sam Champion told viewers.

Champion underwent surgery to remove skin cancer on his left shoulder live on GMA Wednesday morning.

"We just might as well get rid of it," he said.

One in five people will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The disease is also on the rise, especially in young adults. Melanoma, the most dangerous form of cancer, has increased in people between 25-29.

"We're seeing a lot of women with exposure to ultraviolet in tanning booths as well as outside sun exposure," said Dr. David Jones, a dermatologist with Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

A bill pending before the Legislature in Massachusetts would ban anyone under 16 from using tanning beds.

Dermatologist David Jones of Newton- Wellesley Hospital said young or old, everyone should look for skin cancer warning signs. A mole that changes in size or shape warrants attentions, but there are many other things to look out for.

"You're looking for typically brown or black spots," Jones said. "Any spot that is new or growing that bleeds sometimes, even that just itches are a concern."

Champion has basal cell carcinoma, a rarely fatal cancer. Yet it can be aggressive.

"If you were to leave a basal cell carcinoma on your skin and leave it to its own devices, it could actually chew through the skin. What you don't want to do is leave it, because you could end up with a hole in your skin," said Dr. Michele Pauporte, Champion's doctor.

Routine screenings for suspicious spots are key to prevention. The idea is to catch them early.

"Get a hand mirror, get a wall mirror, some good light, and look for new or changing spots," said Jones.