ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- A government task force finds counseling children and young adults about the dangers of skin cancer seems to make them more responsible when it comes to sun exposure.

The recommendation applies to patients between the ages of 10 and 24 with no history of the disease. Skin cancer affects more than two million Americans each year.

Having light skin, hair and eyes increases a patient's risk, as does over-exposure to ultraviolet rays at an early age.