While many of us would like to be proactive at spotting potential skin cancer, images and descriptions alone are not enough. You’re not a dermatologist or oncologist with the expertise to look at a mark or rash on the skin and determine if it’s of concern. If you see a new mark that persists for a long time, or if an existing mark changes shape, size, color, texture, or bleeds, you should make an appointment with your dermatologist to get it checked. In addition, you should schedule a yearly skin check to have your dermatologist check you all over for any areas that could be problematic.

A cancer diagnosis triggers panic, and panic causes the part of your brain that makes critical decisions shut down. Understandably so. But this is no time to stop thinking. You need to take practical steps to inform yourself so you can feel in control of the decisions you make.

When you or someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, you need reliable information fast. This website and The No Bull**** Guide to Dealing with Cancer will help you navigate the overwhelming journey from initial testing through active cancer, remission, and survival with brevity, clarity, honesty, and utility. As a two-time survivor, I know exactly how important that is and I, and my co-author, Dr. Mercedes Castiel, are here to help.