All people need to protect themselves from damaging UV rays and other common causes of skin cancer. However, some people are more prone to skin cancer and thus need to take extra precautions. There are a few risk factors that indicate that a person has a higher-than-average risk and needs to take extra steps to protect themselves.
Age and Gender Affects Skin Cancer Risk
You cannot change your age and gender, but these are nonetheless risk factors for cancer. Skin cancer risk increases as people age, due to cumulative damage from the sun. In addition, men have a dramatically higher risk of skin cancer. Men are twice as likely as women to develop basal cell carcinoma and three times as likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma. This means that being vigilant about sunscreen, hats, and screening is even more important for older people and for men.
Skin Cancer Risk and Fair Skin
Fair skinned Caucasians have a higher risk of skin cancer because there is less melanin to protect the skin. This is especially true of people with red or blonde hair, people with blue or green eyes, and people who easily get sunburns or freckling from sun exposure.
Family History and skin cancer
If one or more of your parents or siblings have had skin cancer, then you are at increased risk. You are also at higher risk if you have been diagnosed with skin cancer in the past.
Exposure to Carcinogens
UV light is not the only thing that can cause DNA damage that leads to cancer. Smokers have elevated risks of cancer, especially squamous cell carcinomas on the mouth and lips. This is because their lips and oral area are exposed to nicotine and other carcinogenic chemicals in the cigarettes. In addition, exposure to radiation, even radiation used for medical treatments, increases the risk of skin cancer. This is especially true if your skin is exposed to UV radiation while you are getting radiation therapy treatments.
There is no need to be frightened by having risk factors for skin cancer. It simply means that you must be more careful about caring for your skin. Preventing sun damage and getting regular screenings with your dermatologist will help keep people with the above risk factors safe.