There are plenty of things that I'm supposed to do for my health that I skip (like that overdue vision exam), but a skin exam isn't one of them. As a melanoma survivor, these screenings are a routine part of my life.

So when friends ask about skin exams, I try to demystify what should be an important, annual appointment for everyone, especially those at increased risk for skin cancer. Here's what I tell them.

What does the...