Skin Cancer Risk Factors
For Which Skin Cancer?
What Can I Do To Reduce the Risk?
Select Items
To Put On My
Risk Reduction
Action List
Age
Basal cell,
Squamous cell
If you have had skin damage from sunburn earlier in life, you cannot do anything
to change that. However, you can start now to protect yourself from UV radiation
and check your skin monthly.
Complexion
Basal cell, Squamous cell, Melanoma
You cannot change your complexion, but you can be conscious of the increased
risk if you have a light complexion (usually accompanied by red or blond hair
and light-colored eyes) and protect yourself accordingly.
Where you live
Basal cell, Squamous cell, Melanoma
Very few of us are free to change where we live, but
if you live in an area with a higher UV index, you can
take extra care to protect yourself from the sun.
Cumulative sun exposure
Basal cell, Squamous cell, Melanoma
You cannot change the cumulative effects of the extensive
sun exposures you may have had in the past. However, you
can prevent the problem from worsening.
Exposure to artificial sources of UV radiation
Melanoma
To prevent or reduce exposure to artificial sources
of UV rays:
Do not use tanning beds and booths.
Try tanning sprays instead
of going to a tanning salon. In fact, some salons
provide only tanning spray services.
Dysplastic nevi
(abnormal moles)
Melanoma
You should have dysplastic nevi checked regularly by a doctor or nurse specialist,
especially if they look unusual; grow larger; or change in color, outline, or
in any other way.
Many ordinary moles
Melanoma
If you have more than 50 ordinary moles, you should be
checked regularly by a doctor or nurse specialist.
Personal history of melanoma or
nonmelanoma skin cancers
Melanoma
Have regular checkups as recommended by your doctor.
Family history of melanoma
Melanoma
When two or more family members develop melanoma, it is
important for all of the patient's close relatives (parents,
brothers, sisters, and children over age 10) to see a doctor,
who will then advise them about their own increased risk.
Weakened immune system
Melanoma
Ask your doctor if you should be checked, and how often.
Severe blistering sunburns
Melanoma
These types of sunburns increase the risk of melanoma. Ask your doctor if you
should be checked, and how often.