Key points
- Anyone can get skin cancer, but some people have a greater risk.
- Reducing overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can lower your chances of getting skin cancer.
Factors that can increase your risk
Anyone can get skin cancer, but people with certain characteristics have a greater risk:
- A lighter natural skin color.
- Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun.
- Blue or green eyes.
- Blond or red hair.
- Certain types and a large number of moles.
- A history of sunburns or tanning.
- A family history of skin cancer.
- A personal history of skin cancer.
- Older age.
How to lower your risk
Reducing overexposure to UV rays can help lower your chances of getting skin cancer. Learn how to protect your skin from the sun when you spend time outdoors.
More information
- Melanoma Risk Assessment Tool (National Cancer Institute)
- Skin Cancer in People with Darker Skin (National Cancer Institute)
- Skin Cancer Prevention (PDQ®)–Patient Version (National Cancer Institute)