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Anyone with skin is susceptible to skin cancer, but certain genetic and lifestyle factors increase your risk.

The following are risk factors:

• Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Sunlight is the main source of this cancer-causing radiation, but tanning beds and lights are also sources. People who live in sunny climates or who work outside tend to have an increased risk for skin cancer. Also, skiers, hikers and others who spend time at high altitudes, where UV radiation is stronger, are at risk.
• Fair complexion. Light-skinned people are more than 10 times more likely than dark-skinned African Americans to develop skin cancer. The reason is that dark-skinned people have more melanin (skin pigment), which filters out the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Also, people who have freckles or burn easily are at increased risk. Red-haired people have the highest risk.
• Male gender. Men are twice as likely as women to have basal cell carcinomas and three times as likely to have squamous cell carcinomas, according to the American Cancer Society. The difference is thought to stem entirely from lifestyle factors. Overall, men are at increased risk because they tend to have more outdoor occupations. Another possible reason is that women wear makeup, which often contains a sunscreen or acts as one.
• Family history of skin cancer. If a close family member has had skin cancer, you should consider your risk higher than average. Do a skin self-exam monthly, stay out of direct sunlight, wear sunscreen and avoid tanning beds.
• Personal history of skin cancer. If you have been diagnosed with one basal cell cancer, you are at increased risk for getting another skin cancer.
• Unusual moles. Most moles are harmless. But a small number of moles, called dysplastic nevi, occasionally become cancerous. They are often larger than other moles. This type of mole runs in families. Also, large congenital nevi, or moles that you are born with, can also become malignant.
• A large number of moles. The risk of a mole turning into cancer is very low. However, people with lots of irregular or large moles have an increased risk for melanoma.
• Weakened immune system. People who have weakened immune systems are more likely to develop non-melanoma skin cancer, particularly squamous cell cancer. AIDS and leukemia are examples of diseases that weaken your immune system. Medications given after organ transplants and other medications that lower the immune system also increase your risk.
• Radiation treatment. People who have had radiation treatment have a higher risk of developing a type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma.

Sun exposure and risk
Sun protection - sunscreen and clothing - is important for people of all skin types. While people with fair skin are more susceptible to skin cancer, this cancer can affect people with any skin tone.

The same holds true for sunny climates and high altitudes. While these factors may increase exposure, UV rays still penetrate through clouds and are present at low altitudes.

The bottom line is that everyone needs to take precautions to protect themselves against sun exposure and skin cancer.

Sources: American Cancer Society. What are the risk factors for melanoma? Accessed May 27, 2008. American Cancer Society. What are the risk factors for squamous cell and basal cell skin cancers? Accessed May 27, 2008. National Cancer Institute. What you need to know about skin cancer: risk factors. Accessed May 27, 2008.

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