How to Spot Skin Cancer
Recognizing abnormal moles may save your life
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Fifty-two percent of Americans say they never go to a doctor to have their skin checked, according to a Consumer Reports’ nationally representative survey of 2,007 American adults. That suggests that we have plenty of opportunity to improve skin cancer survival rates in the U.S.
But whether everyone needs an exam every single year is a bit of a controversy. Many dermatologists recommend them. Certainly people with a personal or family history of melanoma (parent, sibling, or grandparent) or lots of moles (50 or more) may need skin checks more often.
Find the Right Sunscreen for You
Consumer Reports’ sunscreen ratings can help you find a sunscreen that will protect your skin and have the right scent and feel for you. These are some of the top performers from our tests.
Editor’s Note: This article, originally published June 4, 2020, was updated to expand the information on skin cancer risk in people with a variety of skin tones. A version of this article also appeared in the July 2020 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.