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Fair skin cancer risks

Alternative Names

Skin cancer and fair-skinned people

Information

Anyone who sunburns easily is at high risk for skin cancer. Other factors that increase your risk for skin cancer include:

  • Freckled skin
  • Blue, gray, or green eyes
  • Blond or red hair
  • Multiple moles
  • Close relatives who have or had skin cancer
  • Multiple severe sunburns early in life
  • Slow, daily sun exposure (such as that received by those who work outside)
  • Excessive sun exposure without sunscreen

See also: Sunburn


Review Date: 2/5/2008
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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