Education & Prevention
Risk Factors
Asking yourself the following questions will help determine if you are at risk for skin cancer.
No Hat
Do I frequently work or play in the sun between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM without wearing a hat?
No Protective Clothing
Do I frequently work or play in the sun between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM without wearing protective clothing?
No Sunglasses
Do I frequently work or play in the sun between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM without wearing sunglasses?
No SPF 30
Do I frequently work or play in the sun between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM without wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more?
Tanning Booths
Do I use, or have I used in the past, sun lamps or tanning booths?
Fair Complexion
Do I have red, blonde, or light brown hair and a fair complexion that burns easily?
Burn and Blister in One Hour
When I am exposed to one hour of summer sun, do I burn, and sometimes blister?
Blue, Green or Hazel Eyes
Do I have blue, green, or hazel eyes?
Blister Burns before Age 18
Have I experienced severe, blistering sunburns before the age of 18?
Family Skin Cancer History
Do I have any family members who have had skin cancer or a history of melanoma?
Over Six Months Since Last Self Exam
Has it been more than six months since I performed a skin self-exam by thoroughly checking my skin for changes in warts or moles?
It is important to remember though that regardless of your age or the color of your hair, eyes, or skin, ANYONE can develop skin cancer. Making healthy choices now can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer in the future.