Skin Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention

Established Risk Factors

• UV radiation exposure is the primary risk factor for all three major forms of skin cancer, with approximately 65%-90% of melanomas caused by UV exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 2.
• Skin cancer risk is significantly higher in individuals with fair skin that burns easily, red or blond hair, and those who have experienced severe, blistering sunburns, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 3.
• The incidence of melanoma among whites is approximately 20 times higher than among blacks, demonstrating the protective effect of melanin, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 4.
• The American Cancer Society recommends that individuals take preventive measures against UV radiation exposure to reduce their risk of skin cancer 1, 2.