Skin Cancer and the Risk Factors Involved

According to the American Cancer Society, in every year, approximately 60,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer and about 1,000,000 people are positively diagnosed with skin cancers of non-melanoma type. These huge numbers are so alarming that anyone has to pay attention to the risk factors involved. Awareness of these factors would be very essential in finding ways to reduce their chances of acquiring such malady.

Risk Factors

A. Hereditary -- approximately ten percent of the entire number of melanoma patients are found out to have other family members who obtain similar cancer they are having. This denotes a family history. While prevention in this case is so hard to fulfill, more efforts that would help minimize the risk factors such as being careful with any noticeable skin problem indication still could help.

B. Complexion and Skin condition -- this involves being aware of the number of moles and complexion you seize. If you have over fifty moles in your body, you are of greater risk to develop skin cancer of melanoma type. Skin complexion like those who have fairer skins or those with skins that easily freckle should also be watchful for they too are very prone to developing such skin cancer. Regularly monitor your skin for any signs of moles, especially those that changes in color and shape for they are potential indications of cancer.

C. Prolonged Exposure to Sunlight -- while sunlight is essential to life, the UV rays is also detrimental to health. The ultraviolet radiation would trigger sunburns to occur, which when severe could lead to the arising of skin problems, including skin cancer. As a way of reducing the risk of having skin cancer, do not over expose to sunlight or else, use credible sunscreens and other cosmetic products or accessories that offer UV protection.