Who is Most at Risk for Skin Cancer?

While you may be vigilant about protecting your skin by using sunscreen when outdoors, it’s not always enough to keep you protected from skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. While it’s impossible to prevent skin cancer entirely, knowing the common ways skin cancer develops can help you stay protected.

Skin Cancer Risk Factors

While some skin cancer risk factors can be controlled, such as wearing protective gear, and staying out of the sun, some cannot. When it comes to uncontrollable risk factors, taking extra precautions to protect your skin is critical. Some uncontrollable risk factors may include:

Fair Skin

People who have fair skin are at a greater risk than those with darker skin. Darker skin has more melanin, which can better protect a person from UV radiation.

Age

Though young people can develop skin cancer, adults are more likely to be diagnosed due to their many years of sun exposure.

Lifestyle Changes That Can Reduce Your Risk of Skin Cancer

Practicing the following habits can help you make positive lifestyle changes to decrease your chances of getting skin cancer:

• Avoid tanning beds.
• Stay out of the sun during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Apply sunscreen regularly.
• Cover up with proper clothing and gear such as sun hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves whenever possible.
• Know the ABCDEs of skin cancer and conduct a self-examination from head-to-toe every four weeks.
• Visit your doctor for professional skin care screenings.
• Quit smoking.

Early detection of skin cancer is the key to increasing your chances of successful treatment and survival. For more information about how we can assist you or a loved one with care and treatment for skin cancer, contact The Parrish Cancer Center today at 321-529-6202. Our caring oncologists are here to guide you every step of the way.