Skin Cancer

Excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun (i.e. sun exposure) is the most important risk factor of skin cancers. Tanning, including exposure to tanning lamps and beds, also increases the risk of skin cancer.

Other risk factors include:

• Moles – having many moles or abnormal/atypical moles
• Fair skin – having less pigment (melanin) in the skin provides less protection from UV rays and causes the skin to burn easily
• Family or personal history of skin cancers
• A weakened immune system (due to a medical condition or medicine that affects the immune system)
• Sunny or high-altitude climates
  
• Pre-cancerous skin lesions (actinic keratosis)
• Exposure to radiation and substances such as arsenic