Q. Can darker-skinned people get skin cancer? As a person of color, what should I look for when examining my skin?

Maritza Perez, MD, is director of cosmetic dermatology at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Medical Center and associate professor of clinical
dermatology at Columbia University, New York City.

Q. I want to get a tattoo. Is there any chance I could develop skin cancer from the inks? Should people with melanoma avoid tattoos?

Ariel Ostad, MD, a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in private practice in New York, NY, and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine answers this question.

Q. Does Sunscreen Cause Cancer? I am concerned that sunscreen will do me more harm than good. I have heard that the benefits of going into the sun to obtain vitamin D outweigh the risks of developing skin cancer.

Francesca Fusco, MD, a dermatologist in private practice in New York City answers this question.

Q: Does a sunscreen become ineffective with age? How long can I keep a sunscreen before I have to throw it out?

Karen E. Burke, MD, a dermatologist in private practice in New York City answers this question.

Q: Is sun exposure the only cause of skin cancer? Is the place on your body where you’ve been sunburned the only place where skin cancer will develop?

Amy Amonette Huber, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship trained MOHS surgeon practicing at the Memphis Dermatology Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee, answers this question.

Q: In the past six years I have had four surgeries -- two for stage II melanoma, one for a precancerous mole, and most recently, one for a squamous cell carcinoma. I have great confidence in my doctor, but I can’t stand the endless repetition of search, cut, and biopsy. Are there any other methods by which someone like myself could be diagnosed, without enduring biopsies?

Daniel M. Siegel, MD, is Clinical Professor of Dermatology and Director, Procedural Dermatology Fellowship, State University of New York Downstate.

Q: My dermatologist has just informed me that I have sun damaged skin. I am looking into a laser or similar treatment.  Can these treatments increase collagen? Do they cause skin sensitivity or increase the chances of skin cancer?

Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, Clinical Professor Dermatology, NYU Langone Medical Center and Vice President of The Skin Cancer Foundation, is a board-certified dermatologist, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.