Who is most at risk?
Some people are more likely than others to get skin cancer. These people tend to have one or more of the following...
- fair skin that burns in strong sun
- red or fair hair
- lots of moles or freckles
- a personal or family history of skin cancer
- experience of sunburn, especially when young
As a general rule, the paler your skin, the more careful you should be in the sun. Find out more in our know your risk section.
Why are children at risk?
Babies and children need extra protection from the sun because their skin is delicate and easily damaged.
You will not see the damage immediately because skin cancer can take years to develop. But children who are exposed to too much sun now are storing up problems for the future.
Researchers believe that sunburn in childhood can double your risk of skin cancer.
What if I have naturally brown or black skin?
Those of us with naturally brown or black skin have more melanin pigment in our skin cells. This helps protect the skin from damaging UV rays. So if you have naturally brown or black skin you are much less likely to get skin cancer.
However, skin cancer can still affect people with brown or black skin. It is most common on parts of the body infrequently exposed to the sun such as the soles of the feet.
What if I take lots of holidays?
We know that short periods of intense exposure to UV rays are particularly damaging to your skin, and can increase your risk of malignant melanoma. So whether you are sunbathing in the UK during the summer or heading abroad for some winter sun, you can protect your skin by covering up and seeking shade when the sun is at it's strongest.
More about risk and sun protection
To find out more about your personal risk of skin cancer have a look at out know your risk pages.
Being SunSmart can greatly reduce your risk of skin cancer. Go to stay safe to find out more about how to protect yourself and your family from the sun.
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