The most well-known cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds. Other risk factors depend on the type of skin cancer, but many of the risk factors overlap. The good news is there are ways to reduce your risk, and if you detect skin cancer early on, it’s usually very treatable. (1) RELATED: Sunscreen Glossary: A Guide for Decoding Every SPF Term You Need to Know Basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, which are sometimes called “nonmelanomas,” account for about 99 percent of all skin cancers. Though melanoma is rare, it’s the most dangerous form. (2) Exposure to UV light is the main cause for all skin cancer types. Other risk factors include: (3,4,5)
Light skin and features While anyone can develop skin cancer, those with fair skin, freckles, light eyes, or red or blond hair have a higher risk than individuals with darker skin and features. People with albinism, a condition that causes a lack of skin pigment, also have a higher chance of developing skin cancer.Sunburns Having a history of sunburns in childhood or adulthood may be a risk factor for skin cancer.Age Your chances of developing all types of skin cancer increase as you get older. Experts believe this is probably due to the cumulative effect of sun exposure over time.Sex Men are more likely than women to develop basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.Moles Having many moles, unusual-looking moles, or certain syndromes that cause moles to form may increase your odds of developing melanoma.Exposure to chemicals Certain harmful substances, such as arsenic, paraffin, coal tar, and petroleum products may bolster your risk for developing basal cell and squamous cell cancers.Radiation therapy People who have had radiation therapy in the past may be at higher risk of skin cancers.Previous skin cancers If you’ve had a basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer, or melanoma, you’re more likely to develop another one.Skin injuries Scars from severe burns or damage caused by some skin diseases may slightly increase your risk for basal cell and squamous cell cancers.Smoking People who smoke are more apt to develop squamous cell carcinoma, especially on their lips.Psoriasis treatments Some psoriasis therapies, such as psoralens and UV light treatments, may up your risk for squamous cell skin cancer and possibly other types as well.Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) This rare, inherited disorder lessens the ability of skin cells to repair damage caused by the sun. People with this condition may develop numerous skin cancers, including melanoma, starting in childhood.Basal cell nevus syndrome (also called Gorlin syndrome) This uncommon congenital condition causes people to develop many basal cell cancers throughout their lifetime.Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection Some types of HPV may be linked to the development of skin cancers.Weak immune system People with a weakened immune system, whether it’s caused by certain medical conditions or treatments, are more likely to develop skin cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and rarer forms of skin cancer.Family history Your risk for melanoma is higher if you’ve had a parent, brother, sister, or child with the cancer.Sunny climates People who live in warm, sunny climates may be exposed to more sunlight and have an increased risk of skin cancer.Actinic keratosis (AK) Precancerous lesions, called actinic keratoses (AK), can develop into squamous cell carcinomas.
RELATED: 6 Steps for Choosing a Clean and Safe Sunscreen About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 86 percent of melanomas are linked to UV rays. (7) Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas often develop after many years of sun exposure. They typically crop up on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, ears, hands, neck, and arms. (8) Some research suggests that the pattern and timing of UV exposure may affect the development of melanoma. For instance, melanomas on the chest, back, and legs have been linked to frequent sunburns in childhood. These melanomas may be different from melanomas that start on the face, neck, and arms, which might be due to more continuous sun exposure. On the other hand, some melanomas are found in areas where there’s been little or no sun exposure, including the soles of the feet, nail beds, mouth, or vagina. (3,4,5) Tanning beds, booths, and sun lamps give off harmful UV light and are just as dangerous as the sun. Just one indoor tanning session can increase your chances of developing skin cancer. Women who use indoor tanning equipment before they turn 30 years old are six times more likely to develop melanoma. The data on indoor tanning is so alarming that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires warning labels on all indoor devices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that if no one younger than 18 used a tanning bed, about 61,839 cases of melanoma would be prevented. (9) RELATED: 7 Sunscreen Mistakes That Hurt Your Skin A gene called TP53 is commonly altered in squamous cell carcinomas, while the PTCH1 or PTCH2 genes are often mutated in basal cell carcinomas. (10) People with the inherited condition xeroderma pigmentosum also have a high risk for skin cancer. This disorder happens because of a change in one of the XP (ERCC) genes. (10) Melanomas seem to have more of a hereditary link than basal or squamous cell skin cancers. While most cases are related to environmental exposure, researchers estimate that about 5 to 10 percent of melanomas are due to an inherited gene mutation. Parents with these mutations have a 50/50 chance of passing them on to each of their children. (11) One form of hereditary melanoma, known as familial atypical mole-melanoma syndrome (FAM-M syndrome), may be caused by genetic changes in the CDKN2A gene. Another gene, called CDK4, is linked to familial melanomas. The well-known hereditary breast cancer gene BRCA2 may also be associated an increased risk of melanoma. (11,12) Scientists are still learning about how different inherited genes raise the risk for melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers. RELATED: 10 Sun-Care Products That Dermatologists Use When skin cancers do occur in Black Americans or other People of Color, they’re usually diagnosed at a later stage because there’s a lack of awareness about risk in the general population, and even physicians may be slow to suspect skin cancer because it’s less common in these populations. Unfortunately, late detection means a worse prognosis. One study found the average five-year melanoma survival rate was only 65 percent for Black Americans compared with 91 percent for Caucasians. Another study revealed that late-stage melanoma diagnoses were more prevalent in Hispanic and Black Americans than non-Hispanic whites. It’s important that people with darker skin examine their skin often for any changes and see their dermatologist for regular checkups. (13,14)
