Am I at risk for developing skin cancer?
Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, tanning beds, and lamps greatly increases your risk of developing skin cancer.
Click here for more information about UV radiation.
While anyone, no matter ethnicity or skin color can develop skin cancer, there are certain characteristics and medical factors that can increase your risk, including:
- Fair skin, light-colored eyes, and light or red-colored hair
- Sunburns in the past, or burning easily in the sun
- A personal history of skin cancer
- A family history of skin cancer
- Having many moles and freckles
- Prior exposure to radiation therapy
- A weakened immune system. (This can be from certain medical conditions like HIV or organ transplantation as well as certain medications you may be taking.)
- Some medications can also cause you to become more sensitive to sunlight
Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your medication’s side effects.
