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The cause of skin cancer isn't fully understood at present. But there are certain factors that make skin cancer more likely. The main risk factor for any type of skin cancer is exposure to the intense ultraviolet (UV) light of sunshine.
The factors that may increase your risk of skin cancer include:
• Fair skin that burns easily - darker complexions have a lower risk of skin cancer
• A family history of skin cancer
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Skin which has a lot of moles (more than 50)
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Red or fair hair and blue or green eyes
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Freckles
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Bad sunburn at some point in the past
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Using a sunbed
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If you work outdoors - you're exposed to more sunlight than if you're office-based
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Age - non-melanomas such as SCC and BCC are more common in people over 60
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Smoking
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Certain skin conditions - for example scarring from burns or skin ulcers
• Exposure to certain chemicals - such as soot, asphalt or arsenic
• A weakened immune system - if you're taking immunosuppressants |
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