No matter what your race or color, skin cancer does not discriminate. That's why it's so important to learn the signs of symptoms of skin cancer and practice sun safety.

Signs & Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer can be found early. If you have any of the following symptoms, be sure to consult with your doctor. 

• Any change on the skin, especially in the size or color of a mole or other darkly pigmented growth or spot, or a new growth.
  
  
• Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or change in the appearance of a bump or nodule.
  
  
• The spread of pigmentation beyond its border, such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark.
  
  
• A change in sensation, itchiness, tenderness, or pain.

Can Skin Cancer be Prevented?
Lower your risk of non-melanoma skin cancer by avoiding intense sunlight for long periods of time and practicing sun safety. You can continue to exercise and enjoy the outdoors while practicing sun safety at the same time.

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  
  
• Avoid other sources of UV light. Tanning beds and sun lamps are dangerous because they can damage your skin.
  
  
• Seek shade. Look for shade, especially in the middle of the day when the sun's rays are strongest. Practice the shadow rule and teach it to your kids. If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are at their strongest.
  
  
• Slop on sunscreen. Use sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen (about a palmful) and reapply after swimming, toweling dry, or perspiring. Use sunscreen even on hazy or overcast days.
  
  
• Slip on a shirt. Cover up with protective clothing to guard as much skin as possible when you're in the sun. Choose comfortable clothes made of tightly woven fabrics that you cannot see through when held up to light.
  
  
• Slap on a hat. Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck. If you choose a baseball cap, remember to protect your ears and neck with sunscreen.
  
  
• Wrap on sunglasses. Wear sunglasses with 99-100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for eyes and surrounding skin.

-Article derived from the American Cancer Society