Who is at risk?

The risk of skin cancer is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While lighter skinned individuals that burn easily and freckle are at greatest risk, even those with darker complexions can develop skin cancer.  Excess sun exposure due to occupation or recreation increases the risk in all skin types.  Intense episodic sun exposure such as severe sunburn is associated with basal cell carcinoma while more chronic exposure is associated with squamous cell carcinoma. Medical factors that increase one’s risk are previous radiation therapy or suppression of the immune system due to medications such as those used following organ transplantation. The role of genetics is greatest with regard to melanoma. A family history of a close relative (parent or sibling) with melanoma or atypical moles greatly increases individual risk. While we cannot change our genetic make up, we can lower our risk by reducing our exposure to ultraviolet radiation.