Skin care

Skin Color & Sun Sensitivity

Fair skin is more susceptible to ultraviolet radiation damage.9Caucasians, specifically individuals with freckles, light eyes and/or red hair, are at higher risk of skin damage that may lead to skin cancer.9

Immunosuppression

Immunosuppressants weaken the action and efficacy of the immune system and hinder its ability to fight foreign invasion. 1Immunosuppression may support the development of cancer.  A weakened immune system is less able to eliminate cells that have suffered mutations and have the potential to develop into cancer cells.  In addition, immunosuppressant therapies may have direct cancer causing consequences.16

Drugs used to treat other illnesses

Thiopurines, a class of drugs used to treat inflammatory diseases (i.e. Crohn's disease and inflammatory bowel syndrome) and some forms of cancer, has been shown to increase risk for the development of non-melanoma skin cancers.11

Personal History

Survivors of skin cancer have an increased risk of developing a secondary cancer.1The greatest risk for relapse is within the first five years following treatment. This heightened risk may be a result of a biological predisposition, previous exposure to skin cancer risks or a consequence of the initial cancer treatment itself. 

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is often used in the medical field in the treatment of primary cancers.  Irradiation of primary tumors often exposes normal skin to increased levels of radiation and may lead to the development of secondary cancers, including skin cancer.  The cancers arise due to mutations within skin cells caused by high doses of radiation. 10

Chemical Exposure

Chronic exposure to arsenic, industrial tar and paraffin may increase one's risk of developing skin cancer.7

Serious injury

In some instances, skin cancer development is associated with serious injury or inflammation.7 Malignant growths that arise at sites of previous serious/chronic wounds such as burns and pressure ulcers are termed Marjolin ulcers.17

                                                                                                           Nice skin

                                                                        

Risk Factors For Melanoma

Risk factors specific to melanoma:

• Sun Burn
• Prior Diagnosis1
• Family History 9
• Melanocytic Nevi 9

Watch the video below to learn about some great skin cancer prevention tips. Watch the full interview with Dr. Suephy Chen.