by Thomas Pierce

John McCain has had a small, mole-like spot removed from his face. A campaign aide called the procedure "precautionary." McCain has a history of skin cancer. Since 1993, he's had four malignant melanomas removed — the last from his left temple in 2000.

Speaking in front of reporters in Bakersfield, California this afternoon, McCain talked about the procedure, saying the spot would be biopsied — just in case. He also urged Americans to have any mysterious spots and blemishes checked out. His remarks today echoed his address to a cancer summit last week sponsored by the Lance Armstrong Foundation in Columbus, OH. There, he said that his experience with skin cancer has made him very aware of the harmful effects of the hot, Arizona sun:

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Because of his history, McCain has regular screenings every three months. His campaign released medical records two months ago that showed he was cancer-free.