Since May is National Skin Care Awareness month, there is no better time than now to learn how to prevent and detect skin cancer. More than 7,000 Americans die from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, each year.

The best way to prevent melanoma and other forms of skin cancer is to protect your skin from sun exposure. Tanning and burning are signs of skin damage. Never visit a tanning salon. People with fairer skin need to be the most cautious of their time out in the sun, but everyone should take precautions when outdoors. You should wear sunscreen every day along with sunglasses to protect your eyes. A hat is also a good way to protect your face from sun exposure. Remember that ultraviolet rays are still present even on a cloudy day. Another good way to prevent skin cancer is to eat a healthy diet. Vitamin E and vitamin D have been found to protect the skin against sun damage. Green tea, turmeric, and red grapes have also been found to have antioxidant properties. This is important for protecting the skin from the inside out.

Aside from prevention, it is also important to know how to diagnose skin-cancer at an early stage. If you see a mole that you believe could be skin cancer, you can follow some basic guidelines to determine whether or not to seek treatment. First, look at the symmetry of the mole: a normal mole is symmetrical, while an abnormal mole is asymmetrical. Next, look at the border of the mole: a normal mole has a clear and defined border, while an abnormal mole may be scalloped or notched. Then, look at the color of the mole: a normal mole has a consistent color (usually red), while an abnormal mole has an inconsistent color (sometimes black or brown). Finally, look at the diameter of the mole: a normal mole is less than 6mm in size, but an abnormal mole is larger than 6mm.

These tips can help you to prevent and detect skin cancer at an early stage, which may save your life.