A risk factor is anything that increases the likelihood of developing a disease, such as cancer.
There are various skin cancer risk factors that can make you more likely to develop the disease at some point in your lifetime. Learning more about the risk factors for skin cancer is one of the best ways to take a proactive role in prevention.
What are the risk factors for skin cancer?
There are many factors that can contribute to your personal risk of skin cancer. In some cases, you can make lifestyle changes to counteract these risk factors. However, there are others that are beyond your control and are therefore best mitigated by awareness.
Some of the most common skin cancer risk factors include:
General Risk Factors
Age
As you age, you are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with skin cancer. This is most likely due to the ongoing accumulation of UV radiation exposure over time. However, younger individuals (especially those that spend a considerable amount of time outdoors) can also be at risk.
A suppressed immune system
Individuals that are undergoing immune suppression therapy, as well as those dealing with compromised immune systems due to a medical condition or illness, may be more likely to develop skin cancer.
Gender
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, men are more likely to develop melanoma, a very serious form of skin cancer.
Skin tone/type
Fair-skinned individuals (particularly those with blond or red hair, blue/green eyes, and easily-freckling skin) have a greater risk of developing skin cancer, largely because they are more likely to experience sunburns and sun damage throughout their lifetime.
However, even if you have an olive or dark skin tone that tends to tan, not burn, UV exposure still increases your likelihood of cancer.
Genetics and family/personal health history
If you have one or more parents, grandparents, or siblings that have been diagnosed with skin cancer, you may be at a higher risk yourself. There are also several inherited conditions that can influence your skin cancer risk, such as xeroderma pigmentosum (which inhibits the reparation of UV damage). Additionally, if you have a prior skin cancer diagnosis, you are at a higher risk of developing cancer again when compared to someone who has never had the disease.
Lifestyle Risk Factors
Regular sunburns
If you have experienced 5 or more sunburns in your lifetime, you are twice as likely to develop a potentially deadly melanoma. Sunburns can range from mild to extreme, with skin that can be only mildly uncomfortable and pink to extremely painful blistering.
Indoor tanning
Just one indoor tanning session before age 35 increases your risk of melanoma by 75%. It is vital to understand that there is no such this as a “safe” tan because tanning itself directly increases your risk of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
UV exposure
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly without adequate skin protection, can significantly increase your risk of skin cancer. UV radiation is part of the natural energy produced by the sun and is also emitted by tanning beds. Two types of UV radiation contribute to skin cancer risks:- Ultraviolet A (UVA) has a longer wavelength and is also associated with skin aging.
- Ultraviolet B (UVB) has a shorter wavelength and is associated with skin burning.
Although UVA and UVB rays differ in how they affect the skin, they are both harmful. Unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB damages the DNA in skin cells, producing genetic defects, or mutations, that can lead to skin cancer. Consistently using high-SPF sunscreen is a key protective measure.
Chemical exposure
Regular exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic, coal, industrial tar, paraffin, and certain oils may put you at a higher risk for certain non-melanoma skin cancers.
Smoking
Individuals who smoke are at risk for developing squamous cell skin cancers, specifically in the lip area.
Atypical moles
Atypical moles, which are unusual-looking moles that display irregular features under a microscope, are a highly common skin cancer risk factor. Also referred to as “dysplastic nevi,” these moles can occur anywhere on the body and may change in appearance. An atypical mole is not skin cancer, but they are a risk factor for the development of melanoma. Early detection is the most effective method for reducing the risks associated with atypical moles. With regular skin exams (both conducted at home by a professional), you are more likely to spot an atypical mole and promptly pursue a diagnosis and treatment if needed.
Skin self-exams: What to look for
It is highly recommended that you conduct skin self-exams once a month, closely assessing your skin from head to toe. Some important red flags include:- A new mole, or a change to an existing mole (often the first sign of melanoma)
- A mole or spot that has increased in size or changed its shape
- A mole, birthmark, or any other spot that is has been itchy, bleeding, painful, or scabbed over for 3 or more weeks
If you notice any of the above signs, immediately schedule an appointment with your dermatologist.
The ABCDE Warning Signs
Use this guide for warning signs for atypical moles and melanoma.
A is for Asymmetry: If you draw a line through the middle of the lesion and the two halves don’t match, it may be an atypical mole. Common moles tend to have a more symmetrical, round, or oval shape.
B is for Border: The borders of the mole are uneven, irregular, or even scalloped. Common moles tend to have smoother, more even borders.
C is for Color: Multiple colors are a warning sign. Benign moles are usually a single shade of brown, a melanoma may have different shades of brown, tan, or black. As it grows, red, white, and blue may also appear.
D is for Diameter: If a mole is about the size of a pencil eraser (about 6mm or ¼ inch in diameter) or larger, get it checked. Keep in mind that it is possible for melanomas to be smaller, but this is a good guideline.
E is for Evolving: Any change in size, shape, the color of a spot on your skin. It is also a warning sign if the lesion is bleeding, itching, or crusting.
If you are experiencing any of the warning signs, make an appointment with your dermatologist and get checked!