Although summer is officially a month away, Northeastern Pennsylvania delivered its first dose of summer heat this weekend.

As weather in our region stays consistently warm and bright, we’ll all feel the urge to spend much of our time outside. Fresh air, exercise and good company benefit our physical and mental wellness in a multitude of ways. But as we spend more hours soaking in vitamin-D-boosting sunlight, we have to remember that it can be damaging to our skin, if we don’t protect ourselves.

This May, as we recognize National Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a good time to get a better understanding of the most diagnosed form of cancer in the U.S.

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells. It most often develops on skin that’s been exposed to sun, but it can also affect parts of the body that aren’t typically exposed to sunlight.

Early-stage skin cancer may be limited to one spot on the skin and treatment can be as simple as removing that spot. But, left untreated, skin cancer can advance and spread to other parts of the body. It can invade nearby organs and tissues and cause complications like scarring, deformity or loss of function.

The three main types of skin cancer are:

Basal cell skin cancers

Squamous cell skin cancers

Melanomas

Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are the most common types, and they typically develop on parts of the body exposed to the sun, like the head and neck. It is uncommon for basal and squamous cell skin cancers to grow into deep layers of the skin and spread to other parts of the body, but it’s still possible.

Melanomas form in the pigment-making cells of the skin. They are less common but can be much more serious and likely to spread to other parts of the body if undetected.

Melanomas can form anywhere on the body, not just those portions that are exposed to sun. In men, these cancers often form on the chest or back, and in women, melanomas are typically found on the legs.

No matter the type, skin cancers are usually curable if diagnosed in early stages. So, regular self-checks of your skin for any changes and a yearly screening by your primary care physician or dermatologist are incredibly important.

When examining your skin, look for new growths or changes in existing freckles, moles, bumps and birthmarks. Take note of any portion of the skin that:

Changes color

Changes texture

Increases in size or thickness

Has an irregular outline

Is bigger than a pencil eraser

Appears after age 21

Another red flag is an open sore that doesn’t heal within three weeks or a spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, scab, crust, erode or bleed.

If you notice any of these changes, reach out to your primary care physician immediately. Skin cancer can be painless but dangerous and getting screened is worth it for your health and your peace of mind.

And remember, whenever heading out in the direct sun, it’s important to protect yourself with clothing or sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.