Having completed a survey, AAD found that 58 percent of respondents believe they are at risk for sun damage, however, half of them have never checked their own skin or had a medical professional check their skin for sun-damage related skin conditions.
"It's very important to check your skin for signs and symptoms of sun damage,” said dermatologist Erin Gilbert, spokesperson for the AAD.
“In addition to moles, persistent skin changes in color and texture, like red, pink, grey or skin-colored patches that are rough or scaly, are often indications of sun damage, and may not be as obvious as a mole.”
According to AAD, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in his or her lifetime. Fortunately, skin cancer is highly curable when caught and treated before it spreads, so early detection is essential.