The best defense against skin cancer is protection from the sun and ultraviolet light:
While you're helping your significant other get slathered up with sunscreen this weekend, throw in a little bonus gift -- a skin check.
You see, there's a benefit to being this close. Couples with tight-knit bonds are more likely to carefully check each other's skin for moles, bumps and other worrisome marks.
Skin self-exams can catch melanoma and other skin cancers early, when treatment has the best shot. And in a study of melanoma survivors, couples in close relationships were about three times more likely to do the skin-check deed. A partner can help with hard-to-see spots, too -- like your back and your scalp.
Everyone should examine his or her own skin on a regular basis and be aware of any lesions on the skin. Any new or changing growth should be brought to the attention of a physician. In addition, anyone with increased risk factors should get a regular skin examination. This includes those who have had a previous skin cancer or significant sun exposure/sunburn history and those with a high mole count, atypical moles, or a family history of melanoma. If you can't remember anything else, remember this one key point: when it comes to taking care of your skin, the most important message is sunscreen, sunscreen, and sunscreen.