It seems like everyday we're hearing about what we can do to protect ourselves from cancer. All the information sometimes seems more daunting then helpful. But while many cancers are hard to avoid skin cancer is one of the most preventable and curable if treated early. Just by following a few simple guidelines you can continue to enjoy outdoor activities while protecting yourself from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Below are several factors that increase your risk for developing skin cancer. Please keep in mind that whether or not you fall into one of these groups protecting yourself from the sun is still one of the very most important factors in preventing skin cancer.
Risk Factors
Moles: A normal mole can become malignant melanoma so anyone who has a large number of moles is at a greater risk of developing this disease.
Family History: Ten percent of patients with this disease have a close family member who has had it.
Personal History: A person with any skin cancer (Squamous cell carcinoma or Basal cell carcinoma) has a 30 percent increased risk for melanoma.
Weakened Immune System: People who have organ transplants or are on immuno-suppressant medications persons with AIDS HIV or other cancers are also at an increased risk for the disease.
Skin Color: White skinned individuals are 20 percent more likely to develop melanoma than African Americans. Light colored eyes hair freckles and people who burn easily are all at a higher risk.
Age: Skin's ability to repair sun damage decreases with age so people's risk for skin cancer increases as they get ...
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