Skin cancer is the most common type of the disease, but even its most deadly form — melanoma — is very curable if caught early. Doctors recommend monthly self-exams in addition to regular checks from a professional:

Use the right equipment. Make sure the room is brightly lit and look into a full-length mirror if possible. Use a handheld mirror to check hard-to-see areas, or ask a loved one to help.

Know your markings. Learn where all your moles, spots and freckles are so you'll recognize new growths or changes in existing ones.

Be thorough. Go from head to toe, without forgetting underarms, the tops and bottom of hands and feet, between fingers and toes, under nail beds and on your scalp (use a comb or hairdryer to part hair). Lift up breasts or excess skin and use a flashlight to look into your mouth.

Look for any changes. This includes new spots, sores that don't heal after two or three months and enlargement or color changes in existing moles, including redness and swelling. Precancerous and cancerous growths can be flat or raised; some may bleed easily or have a crusted surface.

Learn your ABCDs. Melanoma growths tend to be Asymmetrical; have an irregular or rough Border; combine Colors such as brown, pink, white, red and blue; and have a Diameter larger than a quarter-inch, or about the size of a pencil eraser.

Don't panic ... While some skin markings are present at birth, others can appear throughout your lifetime — and be perfectly normal.

... but err on the side of caution. If you're worried about something, check with your doctor, especially if you're fair-skinned or have a family history of the disease.