Know Your Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

September 2025

Tips for Prevention and Skin Safety 
After months of summer sun exposure, now is the perfect time to revisit the risk factors for skin cancer and what you should know to stay proactive with prevention and early detection. 

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, but also one of the most preventable. Understanding your personal risk factors can help you take steps to protect your skin, spot potential warning signs early, and prioritize regular skin checks as part of your long-term skin health routine. 

Do You Have Higher Risk Factors for Skin Cancer? 

Knowing your personal risk factors for skin cancer can help you take preventative measures and prioritize regular skin checks.  

• UV Exposure 
  Frequent, unprotected exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. A history of severe sunburns—especially in childhood—also raises the risk. If you have a history of UV exposure, getting regular skin checks is important for early detection. 
• Skin Type & Features 
  Individuals with fair skin, light-colored eyes, freckles, and red or blonde hair can burn more easily and are more prone to sun damage. While individuals of any skin tone can develop skin cancer and sun protection is vital for everyone, these features can increase your vulnerability to skin cancer. 
• Family History 
  If a parent, sibling, or close relative has had skin cancer, your risk is higher. Genetics can influence how your skin responds to sun exposure and how well your body repairs UV damage. 
• Personal History 
  If you’ve previously had skin cancer or precancerous lesions, you are at a higher risk of recurrence. Work with your dermatologist to determine the best frequency for in-office skin checks based on your skin cancer diagnosis, and perform self-checks at home in between visits.  
• Age & Gender 
  While skin cancer is more common in older adults due to cumulative sun exposure, melanoma rates are rising in young adults, especially women. Men over 50 also have an increased risk of developing skin cancer. 
• Moles & Atypical Growths 
  Having many moles or irregularly shaped (atypical) moles increases the risk of melanoma. It’s essential to monitor changes in size, color, or shape through annual skin checks with your dermatologist and self-checks. Your dermatologist may also recommend using a mole map to track any changes to your moles over time.  
• Weakened Immune System 
  People with weakened immune systems, whether due to medical conditions or medications that suppress immunity, are more susceptible to skin cancer. 

What You Can Do to Lower Your Skin Cancer Risk 

Reducing your risk for developing skin cancer doesn’t mean avoiding the sun altogether – it means practicing smart sun habits and staying proactive about your skin’s health. 

Perform Regular Self-Checks 
Examine your skin monthly for any new or changing moles, spots, or lesions, paying attention to the following indicators of potential skin cancer, which apply to moles, birthmarks, and new or existing spots: 

• Existing moles or birthmarks that seem to have become larger,thicker, or have a change in color or texture. If this mole or birthmark becomes larger than a pencil eraser, see your dermatologist right away. 

• Any type of growth on your skin that is new or has changed in size and appearance, especially if it looks transparent or takes on a tan, brown, black, or multi-colored hue. 

• Any spot or sore that hurts, is itchy, bleeding, crusting, or scabbing over and will not heal, or temporarily heals and then returns.  

Use the ABCDE rule to identify suspicious changes:

A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole looks different from the other. 
B – Border: Irregular, jagged, or blurred edges. 
C – Color: Uneven shades of brown, black, red, or other colors. 
D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser). 
E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or color over time. 

Schedule Annual Skin Exams 
For individuals with no prior history of skin cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends an annual skin check with a dermatologist for individuals age 40 and over. Annual skin checks are recommended before age 40 if you have many moles, have a history of tanning bed use, or family history of skin cancer. Having an expert examine your skin is one of the best ways to detect potential skin cancer before it becomes serious. 

Apply a Daily SPF of 30 or Higher 
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, even when it’s cloudy. Reapply every two hours outdoors. 

Wear Protective Clothing & Accessories 
Protect your skin with long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Lightweight, sun-protective clothing is a great option in warm weather and many clothing companies are including sun protection in their materials to make it easier to stay safe and stylish outdoors.  

Seek Shade & Avoid Peak Sun Hours 
The sun is strongest between 10am and 4pm. If you’re outside during this time, use sunscreen, find shade, and wear sun-protective clothing.  

NEVER Use Tanning Beds 

Tanning beds significantly increase the risk of skin cancer and should be avoided. 

Take Action: Protect Your Skin & Spread Awareness 

Early detection saves lives. Make a commitment to protect your skin, schedule a professional skin check, and share these important facts with friends and family. And remember, skin cancer awareness is all year – prioritize skin safety whenever you’re outdoors. 

Schedule an appointment at Optima Dermatology for a skin check or to discuss your risk factors for skin cancer.