By Antin. As we know, cancer is caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. In skin cancer, environmental factors seem to play a greater role.

Risk factors of skin cancer are as follow:

· Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sun exposure or other artificial sources of UV like sunlamp or tanning. This is the main risk factors that leading to skin cancer. UV radiation can damage the DNA causing an error in the genetic code. This error causes the skin cells to divide abnormally and to form tumors or cancer.

  • Previous melanoma or other forms of skin cancer.
  • Atypical moles or large size moles (larger than 20 cm) from birth or increased number of moles (50 or more).
  • A family history of melanoma or skin cancer.
  • Other forms of cancer like leukemia or lymphoma.
  • History of severe sunburns, mostly during childhood or PUVA treatment for skin disorder like Psoriasis.
  • Impaired immune system like HIV/AIDS, take radiation or immunosuppressive therapy.
  • Genetic vulnerability to skin cancer. People with light-colored skin that can easily freckle, red or blond hair, and blue or light-colored eyes have greater risk to perform skin cancer.
  • The presence of scars or burns on the skin, chronic skin inflammations or skin ulcers, and actinic keratosis (pre-skin cancer).
  • Exposure to arsenic also can lead to skin cancer.

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