Are you at risk for melanoma?

Melanoma only affects 4 percent of those diagnosed with skin cancer, but it accounts for 79 percent of all skin cancer related deaths.

Anyone who has overexposure to the sun, regardless of skin color, has a higher risk for melanoma.

Individuals with blond or red hair, and fair complexion have the highest risk for melanoma. Also if you experienced excessive sun exposure during your childhood and teen years or have a family history of melanoma, you should have a skin cancer-related checkup.

The American Cancer Society recommends a checkup every three years for people between 20 and 40 years of age, and every year for anyone 40 and older.