Sunny and warm days mean more time spent outside enjoying the weather. Protecting yourself from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light is an important step for preventing skin cancer. Equally important is closely examining your skin for any unusual moles or spots. Detecting skin cancer early is important because it increases your chances for successful treatment. May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, helping draw attention to the dangers of one of the world’s most common forms of cancer.

Dr. Susan Massick is a board-certified dermatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and clinical associate professor of dermatology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.