While anyone can develop skin cancer, certain factors can increase your risk, including:

• UV exposure: Frequent sun exposure, a history of blistering sunburns or the use of tanning beds significantly increases your risk.
• Physical characteristics: People with fair skin, light-colored eyes or hair that’s naturally blond or red are more susceptible to UV damage.
• Personal and family history: If you or a family member have had skin cancer before, your likelihood of developing it increases.
• Moles: Having a large number of moles (more than 50) or unusual, irregular moles (dysplastic nevi) can be a marker for higher risk.
• Weakened immune system: Certain medications or underlying health conditions that suppress the immune system can make it harder for your body to repair damaged skin cells. 

Benign moles are typically uniform in color (usually brown or tan) and have distinct, regular borders. They are generally round or oval and stay the same size and shape for years.

If you notice a mole that doesn’t fit these guidelines or feels different than your other spots, be sure to have it checked by your doctor.

Checking your skin regularly is the best way to catch cancer before it has time to spread. While most moles are harmless, you should look for "ugly ducklings," or spots that look different from other spots on your body. When examining your skin, remember the ABCDE rules for melanoma:

• Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
• Border: The edges are jagged, blurred or irregular.
• Color: The mole has multiple shades of tan, brown, black or even blue and red.
• Diameter: The spot is larger than a pencil eraser (though some cancers are smaller).
• Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape or color over time.

Notice a spot that’s changing, itching, bleeding or matches any of the ABCDE criteria? Your primary doctor can take a look and help decide if you need a specialist.

The 3 most common types are:

• Basal cell carcinoma: Often looks like a waxy bump or a sore that heals and returns.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: Typically appears as a firm red bump or a flat, crusty lesion.
• Melanoma: The most serious form, often appearing as a changing mole or a new, dark, irregular lesion.

Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds. You can significantly lower your risk by adopting consistent sun safety habits:

• Seek shade: Stay out of the sun during peak hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
• Wear protective clothing: Choose wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, clothing that covers your arms and legs and has built-in sun protection.
• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen: Apply an SPF 30 or higher every 2 hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
• Avoid artificial tanning: Tanning beds and sunlamps expose you to high levels of UV radiation that damage skin cells.
• Perform regular self-exams: Get to know your skin so you can quickly identify any "evolving" spots or new moles.