New cases of invasive melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, have gone up 31% since 2012, but there are ways you can protect yourself. This is important for everyone—but what to look for, and where on your body there may be signs of cancer, often depends on the color of your skin.

“Melanoma tends to be diagnosed at a later stage in people of color, which often means a worse prognosis,” says Elizabeth Hale, M.D., senior vice president of the Skin Cancer Foundation and a clinical associate professor of dermatology at New York University Langone Medical Center.

“For people of color, melanoma often appears on areas of the body that don’t get much sun exposure, so any skin changes may go unnoticed for some time.” This contributes to an alarming disparity in melanoma five-year survival rates: 93% for non-Hispanic white individuals compared with just 71% for African Americans. Research shows that race and ethnicity play a role in where people may be more likely to develop melanoma too, so knowing your risk areas can be key to early detection. While everyone should apply sunscreen, here’s the latest race and skin tone-based information from the Skin Cancer Foundation.

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Skin cancer signs that everyone should look for

An annual skin cancer screening is the standard, “but if any of your first-degree relatives have had melanoma, you should be checked twice a year, as we know there’s a genetic component to the disease,” explains Dr. Hale. She adds that anyone who used indoor tanning beds before age 35 has a 75% higher risk of developing melanoma—no matter how many years have passed since they last were in one. “It’s not like smoking, where for every year since you quit your risk of lung cancer decreases,” she says. “The cell mutations caused by tanning beds don’t improve over time.”

To identify worrisome moles, you’ll want to refer to the ABCDE system, which stands for “asymmetry,” “border,” “color,” “diameter,” and “evolving,” according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). A change in these characteristics can help differentiate benign moles from cancerous ones. If you notice spots on your skin that are different from others or spots that are changing, itching, or bleeding, the AAD recommends making an appointment with a dermatologist.

Skin cancer signs: African-Americans

“Acral lentiginous melanoma, a less common type of melanoma that typically occurs on the palms, soles, and nail beds, occurs disproportionately more in people with dark skin,” says Dr. Hale. “One theory is that because people with melanin-rich skin lack melanin on their palms and soles and melanin offers some protection against UV-induced damage, those areas are more vulnerable.” This type of melanoma may look like a bruise or a pigmentation splotch, so people may not recognize it as a red flag.

Skin cancer signs: Hispanics

Melanoma incidence has risen 20% among Hispanics over the past two decades. In females, it shows up most often on the legs and hips, while in men it’s most common on the trunk. Hispanic men have a significantly higher rate of later-stage, more advanced melanoma tumors than Hispanic women do. The signs can be subtle, but it’s most often identified by a funky-looking mole that changes over time. Warning signs include changes in mole size, shape, or color.

Skin cancer signs: AAPI individuals

Over 60% of melanoma cases in Asian American and Pacific Islander people occur on areas of skin with limited sun exposure, palms, soles, and nail beds. Research shows that this group has poorer outcomes compared to non-Hispanic white individuals, primarily because melanoma tends to be detected in them at a later, more aggressive stage. Advocate for yourself if you have any concerns about these or other areas of your skin.

Skin cancer signs: Caucasians

Melanoma is more prevalent among non-Hispanic white people, with the most common form showing up predominantly on men’s torsos, women’s legs, and the upper back for both genders. Other risk areas for less common types of melanoma are the arms, scalp, face, and ears.

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