“Only fair-skinned people get skin cancer.”

False. Every skin tone can develop skin cancer, and in darker skin it's often found later — so checks matter for everyone.

“A base tan protects me.”

No. A tan is a sign of UV damage, not protection.

“I only need sunscreen when it's sunny.”

UV passes through clouds and reflects off water, sand and snow. Daily protection is best.

“Skin cancer is only caused by the sun.”

UV is the biggest factor, but family history and having many moles also raise risk — and some melanomas appear on rarely-exposed skin.

“If a mole doesn't hurt, it's fine.”

Most early skin cancers are painless. Changes in appearance matter more than pain.