Between beach outings, BBQs and vacations this summer, it’s difficult to remind ourselves of the dangers of too much time frolicking in the sun. By being conscious of our bodies and noting changes in moles and birth marks, we can take the measures needed to catch skin cancer in its early stages. Moles usually appear at some point during childhood or adulthood, and after they develop, they don’t change much. The appearance of harmful moles, on the other hand, may change over time, whether in color, size, or shape. Take an inventory of your moles every once in a while so you’re familiar enough with them to recognize a change when it occurs. A couple minutes every month could be invaluable in the long run.

READ MORE: Skin Cancer Symptoms 101