Do You Know Your Skin Cancer Risk?
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer That Everyone Should Know
Jan 13, 2008
The skin is the largest organ of the body. It serves as a waterproof, protective barrier from outside threats such as heat, injury and infection. Through cell reproduction and renewal, the skin replaces itself approximately every three to four weeks. However, when cell reproduction begins to occur in an unorganized and uncontrolled fashion, skin cancer is the result.
Do you have any of these risk factors?
Many factors affect your risk of skin cancer. Some of these risk factors are things that you can change or avoid, and some are not. Awareness is the key -- know your risks so you protect yourself accordingly.
Fair Skin: Naturally darker skin contains more melanin, which provides protection from UV radiation. Fair-skinned people with light colored eyes are much more likely to have a diagnosis of skin cancer at some time in their lives than darker skinned people. Remember, however, that this protection applies only to those with naturally darker skin. Tanned skin is not protective -- it is damaged. There is no such thing as a safe tan.
Climate: Living in a warm, sunny climate increases your risk as well. Those who live in these areas tend to spend more time outdoors, and also tend to wear clothing that leaves more of their skin exposed to the sun.
Also, those who live or vacation at higher elevations, where the sunlight is stronger, are exposed to more UV radiation. Snow, like at popular ski resorts, also reflects up to 80% of UV rays, nearly doubling your exposure.
History of Sunburn: Sunburns severely damage your skin cells and increase your skin cancer risk. Blistering sunburns as a child can nearly double your risk. Sunburns as an adult also put you at risk.
Over-Exposure to the Sun: Over-exposure to the sun means over-exposure to UV radiation, a known carcinogen. Protect your skin from UV rays when outdoors by using sunscreen, wearing a hat and appropriate clothing. Take extra precautions if you occupation requires you to spend a great deal of time outdoors.
Tanning: There is no such thing as a safe tan. Tanning causes the skin to respond to DNA damage by increasing melanin production to try to fend off further damage. However, the initial damage is already done. Indoor tanning is NOT safer than outdoor tanning -- UVA and UVB rays are present in tanning booths, too. Studies have shown that 15 minutes in a tanning booth gives you as much harmful UV exposure as a full day at the beach!
Age: Increasing age is a risk factor because skin cancers develop slowly and because sun damage is cumulative. It stands to reason that sixty year old skin has suffered more UV exposure than fifteen year old skin.
History of Skin Cancer: Family history of skin cancer puts you at an increased risk. Personal history of skin cancer puts you at a greater risk -- not only for recurrence, but for new skin cancers as well.
Immune Deficiency: People with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for developing skin cancer. This includes HIV/AIDS patients, leukemia patients, and organ transplant patients, and some patients receiving treatment for auto-immune diseases.
Previously Injured Skin: Skin that had previously been burned, injured, or exposed to chemicals or radiation is at higher risk for skin.
