May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and we think the best way to celebrate is to give our patients insight into skin cancer risk factors. More people will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year than all other cancers combined. Being aware of the main risk factors and trying to prevent them from developing into skin cancer is the first part of the battle.
Age
Aged skin is more prone to skin cancer due to past exposure to UV rays. This is especially common in the current older generation that did not receive as much education on the importance of using sunscreen when working or playing outdoors.
Gender
Men are twice as likely to develop skin cancer than women. This is thought to be due to a majority of males not understanding and, in turn, ignoring the importance of using skin care products especially those containing SPF.
Skin Types
Fair skinned individuals are more likely to develop skin cancer. People with moles are more likely to develop melanoma.
Medical History
Your personal and family medical history also plays a part within skin cancer risk factors. Whether you or a family member have been previously diagnosed with skin cancer, you are more likely to be diagnosed or re-diagnosed.
Medical conditions such as xeroderma pigmentosum, basal cell nevus syndrome and human papilloma virus can also put an individual at a higher risk of developing skin cancer.
In addition to these risk factors, people with previous radiation exposure or that have undergone psoriasis treatment have a higher likelihood of developing the cancer upon the exposed area.
Lifestyle
Smokers tend to have a high risk of developing skin cancer.
Tanning bed users are at a very high risk of developing skin cancer. The use of tanning beds is such a risk, that states have gone to such lengths as to ban the use of tanning beds under a certain age.
Have you scheduled your annual skin cancer screening? Make your appointment today for your screening and to discuss these skin cancer risk factors with Dr. Wooming by calling 972-661-5476 or request an appointment online.
