MINNEAPOLIS - Sarah can feel a bump on the back of her neck.
And there's another one on her right ear; she's not sure what they are.
So Monday, Sarah came to the University of Minnesota Health, where dermatologists were giving free skin cancer screenings. They're a part of "Melanoma Monday," an event created to raise awareness about skin cancer and promote regular skin exams.
"Skin cancer sometimes presents pretty subtly, especially in the beginning. It may resemble an acne bump or a pimple," said Dr. Adam Mattox, a dermatologist with University of Minnesota Health.
It's tough to recognize, yet it's everywhere.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. And every year, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the U.S. than with all other cancers combined. It's most common in the face, ears, neck and hands.
"Luckily skin cancer, though common, is also pretty avoidable," said Mattox. "Protecting your skin from the sun is step one."
That means avoiding midday sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., using sunscreen that's SPF 30 or higher, wearing shirts and hats, and never getting a "base tan" before a trip.
"There's no safe way to get a tan with natural or artificial light," said Mattox. "Tanning is a sign of damage to the skin."
As for Sarah, she's thankful.
"Well, didn't see anything that looked dangerous or threatening or anything that needed a biopsy," Mattox said.
"I have a family and small children and don't have time to really check my skin, and it's always something that just weighs on the back of my mind," Sarah said.
A mind that can now rest easy... cancer free.