Certain factors may increase the chance of developing some skin cancers. Although you cannot control some risk factors, such as your eye or skin color, you can take steps to help lower others, such as limiting sun exposure.
Risk factors for melanoma, basal cell, squamous cell and Merkel cell cancer include:
- Skin, hair and eye color. Although anyone can get skin cancer, people who have pale or freckled skin, red or blond hair, or green, blue, or gray eyes have a higher risk.
- Sun exposure. This risk is higher if you live closer to the equator or at higher altitudes. Limiting your time in the sun and protecting your skin can lower your chances of skin cancer.
- Using tanning booths and sunlamps.
- Smoking cigarettes.
- Having a history of skin cancer or precancer.
- The risk for skin cancer rises as you get older.
- Having a weakened immune system.
- Exposure to arsenic or hydrocarbons.
- Having prior radiation treatment.
- Skin that is damaged by scars, burns or inflammation.
- Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can increase the risk for skin cancer in the genital area.
- Certain inherited conditions. People with xeroderma pigmentosum or basal cell nevus syndrome (Gorlin syndrome) are at much higher risk for skin cancer.
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Prevention
You can take steps to prevent the most common types of skin cancer by limiting your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, which come from the sun, sunlamps and tanning beds.
Follow these tips to reduce your exposure to UV rays:
- Don’t use sunlamps or tanning beds.
- Limit your sun exposure when UV rays are strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and apply it generously to all areas of your skin exposed to the sun. Reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
- Wear clothing that covers your skin and a hat to shade your face.
- Wear sunglasses that are labeled “100% UVA/UVB protection.”
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