A new study by the International Journal of Cancer found the ultraviolet radiation, whether from the sun or tanning beds, is responsible for more than 90% of new melanoma cases.

New York is among the top 25 states with the highest rates of UV-linked melanoma. Nassau and Suffolk counties are two of the top counties in the state for melanoma cases.

Dr. Adrienne Haughton, a dermatologist at Stony Brook Medicine's Advanced Specialty Care, says whether or not melanoma runs in your family you should still have yearly checkups as a precaution.

"The recommendation is everybody get an annual total body skin exam," says Haughton. "We have a lot of patients who come in just for a regular check and they are diagnosed with a skin cancer so just as you go to the dentist every year you should see a dermatologist once a year," says Haughton.

Danielle LaRosa, of Medford, was diagnosed with melanoma while pregnant with her daughter. She says she was in shock when she got the news.

"After I got off the phone with the doctor I was at first in shock," says LaRosa.

LaRosa credits her OBGYN with noticing a concerning beauty mark on her stomach and encouraging her to get it checked. She says it's so important to be checked every year by a trained professional.

Dr. Haughton says avoid being in the sun from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and re-apply your sunscreen every two hours.