5 Signs of Skin Cancer That Are Easy to Overlook

Consider this: The American Skin Cancer Institute estimates that one in five people will have skin cancer in their lifetime; in the US alone, over 5.4 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are treated annually. For anyone who's spent some time sweating in the sun, that’s more than a bit unsettling.

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The best way to prevent skin cancer is to stay UV-protected and covered up, with sunscreen or UPF clothing when you're outside. But that doesn't eliminate the possibility of developing cancer. No matter your sun exposure, it's important to monitor your skin and note any changes. Dr. Tim Berger, a dermatologist at the University of California in San Francisco, says that 60 percent of malignant moles are detected by patients, not dermatologists. Unfortunately, some of these skin changes are easy to overlook when you have an untrained eye.

Recognizing and understanding skin cancer warning signs is an important part of maintaining your health. If you think you've found a sign of cancer, it's always a good idea to visit a dermatologist—or if your insurance doesn’t cover dermatology exams, look for a free skin screenings hosted by cancer societies like the Skin Cancer Foundation and organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology. Here's what to look for.

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