• Fair Skin: Anyone, regardless of skin colour, can get skin cancer. However, having less pigment (melanin) in your skin provides less protection from damaging UV radiation.
• A History of Sunburns: Having one or more blistering sunburns as a child or teenager increases your risk of developing skin cancer as an adult. Sunburns in adulthood also are a risk factor.
• Excessive Sun Exposure: Anyone who spends considerable time in the sun may develop skin cancer, especially if the skin isn’t protected by sunscreen or clothing.
• Sunny or High-Altitude Climates: People who live in sunny, warm climates are exposed to more sunlight than are people who live in colder climates.
• Moles: People who have many moles or abnormal moles called dysplastic nevi are at increased risk of skin cancer.
• Precancerous Skin Lesions: Having skin lesions known as actinic keratosis can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. These precancerous skin growths typically appear as rough, scaly patches that range in colour from brown to dark pink. They’re most common on the face, head and hands of fair-skinned people whose skin has been sun damaged.
• Family History: If one of your parents or a sibling has had skin cancer, you may have an increased risk of the disease.
• Personal History: If you developed skin cancer once, you’re at risk of developing it again.
• Weakened Immune System: People with weakened immune systems have a greater risk of developing skin cancer.
• Exposure to Radiation: People who receive radiation treatment for skin conditions such as eczema and acne may have an increased risk of skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma.
• Exposure to Certain Substances: Exposure to certain substances, such as arsenic may increase your risk of skin cancer.