Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, affecting millions of people every year. It occurs when the cells in your skin start to grow abnormally and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

One of the best ways to protect yourself from skin cancer is to be aware of its warning signs. Here are 30 warning signs you shouldn’t ignore:.

1. New moles or growths

If you notice any new moles or growths on your skin, it’s important to have them checked out by a doctor. These can be a sign of skin cancer or other skin conditions.

2. Changes in the size or shape of moles

If you have moles on your skin, keep an eye on them for any changes in size or shape. This can be a sign of skin cancer.

3. Changes in the color of moles

If you notice any changes in the color of your moles, such as darkening or becoming multi-colored, it’s important to have them checked out by a doctor.

4. Moles that bleed or ooze

If your moles start bleeding or oozing, this can be a sign of skin cancer and should be checked out immediately.

5. Sores that don’t heal

If you have sores on your skin that don’t heal after a few weeks, it’s important to have them checked out by a doctor. These can be a sign of skin cancer.

6. Scaly or crusty patches on your skin

If you have scaly or crusty patches on your skin that don’t go away, it’s important to have them checked out by a doctor. These can be a sign of skin cancer.

7. Red or pink bumps on your skin

If you have red or pink bumps on your skin that don’t go away, it’s important to have them checked out by a doctor. These can be a sign of skin cancer.

8. A white, waxy or pearly bump on your skin

If you have a white, waxy or pearly bump on your skin that doesn’t go away, it’s important to have it checked out by a doctor. This can be a sign of skin cancer.

9. A scar that becomes thicker or lumpy

If you have a scar on your skin that becomes thicker or lumpy, it’s important to have it checked out by a doctor. This can be a sign of skin cancer.

10. A mole with an irregular border

If you have a mole with an irregular or jagged border, this can be a sign of skin cancer and should be checked out by a doctor.

11. A mole that is uneven in color

If you have a mole that is uneven in color, such as having dark spots or patches, it’s important to have it checked out by a doctor.

12. A mole that is larger than a pencil eraser

If you have a mole that is larger than a pencil eraser, this can be a sign of skin cancer and should be checked out by a doctor.

13. Itching or pain in a mole

If you have a mole that itches or causes pain, it’s important to have it checked out by a doctor. This can be a sign of skin cancer.

14. A mole that appears after age 21

If you develop a new mole after the age of 21, it’s important to have it checked out by a doctor. This can be a sign of skin cancer.

15. A family history of skin cancer

If you have a family history of skin cancer, you may be at a higher risk and should be extra vigilant in checking for warning signs on your skin.

16. Exposure to sunlight or tanning beds

If you spend a lot of time in the sun or in tanning beds, you are at a higher risk for developing skin cancer and should be extra vigilant in checking for warning signs on your skin.

17. Fair skin, light eyes, and blonde or red hair

If you have fair skin, light eyes, and blonde or red hair, you may be at a higher risk for developing skin cancer and should be extra vigilant in checking for warning signs on your skin.

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18. A weakened immune system

If you have a weakened immune system, such as from HIV/AIDS or from taking certain medications, you may be at a higher risk for developing skin cancer and should be extra vigilant in checking for warning signs on your skin.

19. A history of sunburns

If you have a history of sunburns, especially during childhood, you may be at a higher risk for developing skin cancer and should be extra vigilant in checking for warning signs on your skin.

20. Spending time in high-altitude areas

If you spend a lot of time in high-altitude areas, such as mountains, you may be at a higher risk for developing skin cancer and should be extra vigilant in checking for warning signs on your skin.

21. Exposure to certain chemicals

If you are exposed to certain chemicals, such as arsenic or coal tar, you may be at a higher risk for developing skin cancer and should be extra vigilant in checking for warning signs on your skin.

22. Smoking

If you smoke, you may be at a higher risk for developing skin cancer and should be extra vigilant in checking for warning signs on your skin.

23. A history of skin cancer

If you have a history of skin cancer, you are at a higher risk for developing it again and should be vigilant in checking for warning signs on your skin.

24. Men over age 50

Men over age 50 are at a higher risk for developing skin cancer and should be extra vigilant in checking for warning signs on their skin.

25. Basal cell carcinoma warning signs

If you have basal cell carcinoma, you may notice a small, pearly bump, a raised pink or red patch of skin that may be itchy, or a white or yellow patch that looks like a scar or waxy bump.

Basal cell carcinoma usually occurs on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face or neck.

26. Squamous cell carcinoma warning signs

If you have squamous cell carcinoma, you may notice a firm, red nodule, a flat lesion with a scaly, crusty surface, or a horny, wart-like growth.

Squamous cell carcinoma usually occurs on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, ears, lips, or hands.

27. Melanoma warning signs

If you have melanoma, you may notice a large dark spot with speckles, a mole that changes in size, shape, or color, a mole that is asymmetrical, has an irregular border, is multicolored, or is larger than a pencil eraser.

Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, including areas that aren’t exposed to the sun.

28. Diagnosing skin cancer

If you notice any of these warning signs or other changes on your skin, it’s important to see a doctor for a diagnosis.

Your doctor may perform a skin biopsy, which is a test that involves removing a small sample of your skin to be analyzed in a laboratory.

29. Preventing skin cancer

The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect your skin from the sun. This includes wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, hats, and sunglasses, and using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

It’s also important to avoid tanning beds and to stay in the shade during peak sun hours.

30. Conclusion

Skin cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, but it’s also highly preventable and treatable if caught early.

By being aware of the warning signs of skin cancer and taking steps to protect your skin from the sun, you can reduce your risk of developing this common and dangerous disease.