Limiting sun exposure, following a strict SPF guide and checking for suspicious signs will help lower your risk for skin cancer, but it's also important to take your overall health into consideration. "Individuals with lupus and weak immune systems and those on Prednisone for asthma are more likely to develop skin cancer," says Shapiro. Many medications prescribed to treat diabetes and hypertension, two health issues that predominantly affect Hispanics and blacks, can also make skin more sensitive to the sun.

The Solution: Bring it up

Talk to your doctor about any and all medications you take to see if they increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. If you're experiencing sun sensitivity (or photosensitivity in doctor speak), he or she will be able to make a diagnosis and adjust your medication or recommend treatment accordingly.