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Health Tip: Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

(HealthDay News) -- People who have fair skin -- or who are otherwise more susceptible to sunburn -- are at increased risk for skin cancer.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists these other common risk factors for skin cancer:

  • Having a lot of freckles or moles.

  • Having blue, gray or green eyes.

  • Having blond or red hair.

  • Having had many severe sunburns early in life.

  • Having a family history of skin cancer.

  • Being out in the sun frequently for long periods.

  • Consistent exposure to the sun without use of sunscreen.

Online Medical Reviewer: Sylvia Byrd, RN, BSN, MBA
Online Medical Reviewer: Daphne Pierce-Smith, RN, MSN, FNP, CCRC
Last Annual Review Date: 11/12/2008