Anyone can develop skin cancer, but individuals with fair skin, a history of sunburns, excessive sun exposure, a family history of skin cancer, and a weakened immune system are at a higher risk.
So let’s look deeper
Skin cancer is a serious health issue that affects individuals of all ages, genders, and races. However, certain factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing this condition. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, individuals with fair skin, blonde or red hair, blue or green eyes, and a family history of skin cancer are more susceptible to skin damage from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and, therefore, more likely to develop skin cancer. Exposure to UV radiation can also weaken the immune system, which further elevates the risk of cancer.
Apart from fair skin and family history, excessive sun exposure and a history of sunburns are some of the leading causes of skin cancer. Such exposure can also come from artificial sources such as tanning beds, which emit UV radiation. Therefore, it is advisable to use sunscreen regularly and avoid direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours of the day (10 am to 4 pm). According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ can reduce the risk of skin cancer by up to 50%.
Interestingly, the risk of skin cancer can also increase with age. As we grow older, our skin becomes thinner and loses its elasticity, making it more vulnerable to UV damage. Another crucial factor to take note of is the type of job or profession an individual engages in. Outdoor workers such as farmers, construction workers, and lifeguards have a higher risk of developing skin cancer due to prolonged exposure to the sun in their line of work.
Overall, skin cancer is a preventable disease, and with proper care and regular dermatologist checkups, its incidence can be reduced drastically. In line with this, take note of the table below, summarizing the leading factors that increase an individual’s risk of developing skin cancer.
| Leading Causes | Increase in Risk |
|---|---|
| Fair skin | Higher |
| Family history | Higher |
| Excessive sun | Higher |
| Artificial sun tans | Higher |
| Age | Higher |
| Outdoor work | Higher |
As stated by the famous American actress and cancer survivor, Marla Maples, “The sun is our source of life, but its rays can be deadly. It’s time to raise awareness about skin protection and put an end to our world’s growing skin cancer rates.”
See a related video
In a video titled “Skin Cancer: What Causes it and Who is at Risk?” featuring Dr. Enoki Djembe Azaria, a dermatologist at Mayo Clinic, the two main types of skin cancer were explained: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Dr. Azaria identified sun exposure, genetic disposition, and fair skin as factors that increase the risk of skin cancer. She recommends that individuals get a skin cancer risk assessment from a dermatologist and get follow-up screenings based on their individual risk factors. Living closer to the equator or at high altitudes also increases the risk of skin cancer.
See more possible solutions
People with lighter colored skin, blond or red hair, blue eyes, and freckles are at increased risk for developing skin cancer. People whose skin has a tendency to burn rather than tan also have an increased risk. However, all people, regardless of skin color, are at risk for developing skin cancer.
Fascinating Facts
More intriguing questions on the topic
Beside above, What is skin cancer most likely caused by?
Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. To lower your risk of getting skin cancer, you can protect your skin from UV rays from the sun and from artificial sources like tanning beds and sunlamps.
Accordingly, What age group is most at risk of skin cancer?
Response will be: [1-4] In contrast to most cancer types, melanoma skin cancer also occurs relatively frequently at younger ages. Age-specific incidence rates increase steadily from around age 20-24 and more steeply in males from around age 55-59. The highest rates are in in the 85 to 89 age group for females and males.
What are the odds of getting skin cancer? The answer is: Current estimates are that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. It is estimated that approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.
Secondly, What type of people get skin cancer the most?
In reply to that: Skin cancer is more common in people with white skin. This is because they have less of the protective pigment called melanin. People with black skin are less likely to get skin cancer but can still get it.
Simply so, Who is at risk for skin cancer? As a response to this: Anyone can get skin cancer, but people with certain characteristics are at greater risk— A lighter natural skin color. Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun. Blue or green eyes. Blond or red hair. Certain types and a large number of moles. A family history of skin cancer. A personal history of skin cancer.
How many people die from skin cancer a day? Answer will be: More than two people die of the disease every hour. 1,2, 9 More than 5.4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer were treated in over 3.3 million people in the U.S. in 2012, the most recent year new statistics were available. 1 More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined. 2
What causes skin cancer?
Answer: Some skin conditions and certain medicines (such as some antibiotics or hormones) may make your skin more sensitive to damage from the sun. Medicines or medical conditions (such as HIV) that suppress the immune system may make you more likely to develop skin cancer. Having scars or skin ulcers increases your risk.
Besides, Are You at risk for skin cancer if you don’t burn? In reply to that: Even people who don’t burn are at risk for skin cancer. It doesn’t matter whether you consider your skin light, dark, or somewhere in between. You are at risk for skin cancer. Being in the sun can damage your skin. Sunlight causes damage through ultraviolet, or UV rays, (they make up just one part of sunlight).