Skin Cancer Risk Factors
Learn More About Skin Cancer Risks: Chat with Us | Email Us
Skin cancers are named for the type of skin cell they develop within. There are two main categories of skin cancers: melanomas and non-melanomas (NMSC). This is an important distinction because each type of cancer may require different kinds of treatment.
Melanocytes are a specific type of cell that produce the pigment, melanin, giving color to the skin, hair and eyes. Cancerous melanocytes cells are called melanomas. But there are many types of skin cells that may also become cancerous. Keratinocyte skin cells, for example, also have the potential to become cancerous and would be classified as a non-melanoma skin cancer.
Risk Factors for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers
Keratinocytes are the cells the produce keratin, a substance that gives strength to our skin, hair and nails. The keratin cells that develop in the deepest layer of the epidermis are called basal cells. The flat keratinocytes that gradually move to the upper layer of the epidermis are called squamous cells. The majority of non-melanoma skin cancers typically occur in either the basal cells or the squamous cells.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is a common risk factor for most types of skin cancer. However, the factors listed below are specific to basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
- UV light exposure
- Fair complexion
- Albinism
- Arsenic exposure
- Radiation exposure
- Having had skin cancer before
- Long-term or severe skin inflammation or injury
- Psoriasis treatment
- Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP)
- Basal cell nevus syndrome
Risk Factors for Melanoma
Only about five percent of all skin cancers are melanomas. And although it is far less common than the keratinocyte cancers, melanoma may be more difficult to treat if it reaches the advanced stages as compared to basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas. Understanding the risk factors and symptoms of this type of skin cancer may help some people detect the cancer early on, when the chances for a better prognosis (outlook) are more promising.
Sunlight and abnormal moles have the greatest effect on the development of melanoma. UV light, from either the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds, stimulates the melanocytes to produce melanin. As a result, the skin tans. The color of moles also comes from the melanin produced by melanocytes. It is normal to have some moles. Most moles do not become cancerous. However, some people have an excess of 50 or more moles on their body, and the more moles you have may increase the probability of one of those moles becoming cancerous. Essentially, a mole is a benign tumor; that means it is a non-cancerous skin growth.
The main factors affecting the likelihood of developing melanoma include:
- Exposure to UV light
- Fair skin
- Moles that change or develop later in life
- Family history of melanomas
- Inherited conditions
- Weakened immune system
Understanding the Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
Long-term exposure to natural sunlight increases the risk of developing melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers over a lifetime. And, probably in part because of the accumulated years of sun exposure, the risk of developing skin cancer increases with age.
Managing your exposure to sunlight and artificial UV sources, like tanning beds, could minimize your risk. The American Cancer Society recommends limiting time spent in the direct sun. While in the sun, remember to cover up, use sunscreen and wear protective sunglasses. Although skin cancer cannot be prevented, it is possible to lower your risk for developing the disease.
To learn more, check out these detailed guides on the specific types of skin cancer:
Next Topic: Skin Cancer Symptoms
