The Basics
What Causes Skin Cancer?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. UV radiation can also come from tanning booths or sunlamps.
Anyone can get skin cancer, but the risk is greatest for people with:
- White or light-colored skin with freckles
- Blond or red hair
- Blue or green eyes
Specific risk factors for melanoma include:
- Unusual moles
- Large number of moles
Take this quiz to better understand your risk for skin cancer.
If you are at risk for skin cancer, talk to a doctor about how to protect your skin. A doctor or nurse can show you how to do a skin self-exam to check your skin for signs of cancer.
