This skin surveillance imperative may serve to be lifesaving in predisposed women.

This study adds a history of the relatively favorable non-melanoma skin cancer -- in and of itself -- to the list of known risk factors for melanoma in both sun lovers and shade dwellers alike.

Regular skin checkups to reduce the incidence of this deadly skin cancer must focus on those at high risk. Diagnosing melanoma early is critical to saving lives.

Our study further defines melanoma risk in post-menopausal women and, it is hoped, will sensitize the medical community to this risk, serving as a catalyst for development of new routines of follow-up and patient assessment to facilitate earlier detection of melanoma.

The efficacy is well-demonstrated. If used appropriately, it is sometimes lifesaving.

We are not women of color. I am a woman with skin of color. I am not an ethnicity, but a skin tone. That's why my book covers everything from a blond and blue-eyed Brazilian to a woman from the Philippines who may be as dark as I am.