Exposures
Although exposure to UV radiation is the most common risk factor for getting skin cancer, other situations or chemicals can make a person more susceptible.- Exposure to UV radiation
- Living at a high altitude or in a sunny climate
- Radiation therapy
- Drugs that suppress the immune system
- Exposure to arsenic, industrial coal, and tar
- Infection with certain human papillomaviruses, especially in someone who is HIV-positive
- Smoking
Chronic Inflammation
When the skin is inflamed or irritated for a long time, some cells may become damaged enough that they become cancerous. Examples include:- Long-standing skin inflammation or ulcers
- Scars or burns on the skin
- Multiple sunburns in the past
Sun-Sensitive Diseases
Certain diseases that make the skin more sensitive to the sun.Previous Skin Cancers or Pre-Cancers
Someone who has had a skin cancer in the past is more likely to get another one. If a close relative has been diagnosed with skin cancer, that may indicate that you are more likely to develop skin cancer also. The following diagnoses are risk factors for developing skin cancer:- Having been diagnosed with skin cancer in the past
- Family history of skin cancer in a close relative
- Diagnosis of actinic keratosis
- Diagnosis of Bowen's disease
Some Moles
Most moles are not cancerous. But certain people with moles are more likely to get skin cancer. These are people who:- Have more than 50 moles on their body
- Were born with a large mole (greater than 20 cm or 7.9 inches)
Personal Characteristics
People with a Fitzpatrick Skin Type of I or II are more likely to develop skin cancer. These characteristics include:- Blonde or red hair
- Blue, gray, or green eyes
- Fair complexion
- Freckles
- Burn easily
- Difficulty getting a tan
Sources:
National Institutes of Health. "What You Need to Know About Melanoma" NIH Publication No. 02-1563. (2002): 1-50.
National Institutes of Health. "What You Need to Know About Skin Cancer" NIH Publication No. 05-1564. (2005): 1-40.
Saraiya, M et al. “Preventing Skin Cancer: Findings of the Task Force on Community Preventive Services on Reducing Exposure to Ultraviolet Light.” MMWR Recommendations & Reports. 52-RR15(2003): 1-12.
