Skin Cancer Causes & Risk Factors

No one should live as though they're immune to the disease, but people with an abundance of freckles or moles are more likely to develop skin cancer. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing to safeguard your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Full Answer

The risk of skin cancer increases in old age as the body loses the ability to replace worn-out cells with perfect new cells.  Watch the animation to see all the effects of aging on the skin. Full Answer

If you have fair skin (Fitzpatrick types 1, 2, or 3) with light hair and light eyes, you are at high risk. If you have a family history of skin cancer or have had a skin cancer (or any other cancer) in the past, you are at high risk. If you have more... Full Answer

It's a fact that sun exposure is the primary cause of most skin cancers, providing the one-two punch of creating DNA mutations and suppressing the immune system. But other factors play a role too. Genetics contributes to the development of melanoma, even... Full Answer

Risk factors for skin cancer include fair complexion, family history, excessive sun exposure and severe sunburns as a child. To check for skin cancer, see a dermatologist annually and also perform monthly self-screenings.     Full Answer

Darker skin types are definitely more protected against sun-induced skin cancer because of the production of melanin, but they are not immune. Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), which is often found on the hands and feet, accounts for 5 percent of... Full Answer

Skin cancer develops in the cells in your skin. Normally, these cells go through a growth cycle in which old cells die and are pushed out by new cells continuously. In skin cancer, the DNA that controls that growth cycle is damaged, most commonly by... Full Answer

Certain types of skin cancer may run in families. This means that if one of your relatives has had skin cancer, you are more likely to develop skin cancer, too. This is especially true of melanoma, which is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. If you... Full Answer

Yes. Even though people with dark complexions have a higher concentration of melanin in their skin, they are still at risk for developing skin cancer when exposed to the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.   Full Answer

Although it is rare for children to get skin cancer, it may be possible. Skin cancer, especially melanoma, can affect people of all ages, and even though it is most common among older people, it is becoming more and more common among young people aged 15... Full Answer