Are You at Risk for Skin Cancer?

Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop skin cancer, but it may increase the value of regular skin screening

Risk Factors Include:

  • High sun exposure
    Frequent or intense sun exposure, especially without protection.

  • History of sunburns
    Severe or blistering sunburns. 

  • Fair skin or light features
    Lighter skin tones, hair, or eye colour have less melanin and may be more susceptible to UV damage.

  • Multiple or changing moles
    A higher number of moles (50 or more) or noticeable changes in size, colour, or shape.

  • Personal or family history
    A history of skin cancer in yourself or a close family member.

  • Tanning Bed Use

    There is an increased risk of melanoma if tanning beds were used before age 30. 

  • Chronic skin inflammation or medical conditions that suppress the immune system

  • Long-term immunosuppressive drug

  • History of Skin Cancer

  • Previous history of skin cancer is a risk factor for another skin cancer

 Resources:

Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation

Next
Next

Signs of Skin Cancer