What Factors Increase the Risk of Skin Cancer?
Factors that increase the risk of developing skin cancer include unprotected or prolonged exposure to UV radiation (from the sun, tanning beds and sun lamps). People with fair complexions and who have blond or red hair or blue or green eyes are also more susceptible to skin cancer. Other factors include a personal or family history of skin cancer, as well as the number of serious sunburns incurred during childhood. Having several atypical moles can also lead to skin cancer. Decreased immunity to disease due to organ transplants also make a person more susceptible to developing skin cancer. Prevention: How Can the Risk of Skin Cancer Be Minimized? Skin cancer is a largely preventable disease and some simple steps can help drastically reduce a person’s probability of developing it. Limiting sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun’s rays are strongest minimizes the risk of developing skin cancer. Applying a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher is also important, as is avoiding t
