Are skin cancer risks higher for you?

My skin cancer risks were higher than most. I have light skin and light eyes.

I can, and have, sunburned easily and there has been a history of skin cancer in my immediate family.

I’ve never known much at all about the risk factors of skin cancer.


As a teen, I loved to sun tan, but I guess I was fortunate growing up in the north.

However, I still managed to find some time to go and tan.


Most of my life the tanning and sun burning was confined to my face, neck and arms, below my shirt sleeves. You could call it a “farmer’s tan” or perhaps it’s a sign of a real “redneck”.

Later on,

I suppose all, or some, of the above made the skin cancer risks higher for me.

I can’t point my finger and say this one thing started to raise my risk and later on some other thing triggered it off. It all played into the overall picture.

I do believe, however, that all the choices I have made concerning diet, lifestyle and being healthy, since being a teen, have much to do with it.

I’m not kicking myself and I wouldn’t kick anybody else.

The important thing is, to see where we are today and what we can do, from this point on, to be happier and healthier.

Some of us start from an easier place than others. But start!

It's always worth the effort.



OK, now that I’ve told you about some skin cancer risks that pertained to me, here is a list of risk factors.

Risk factors of skin cancer

• History of sun burns. Sun burns damage your skin. Done repeatedly puts you at higher risk.

• Spending lots of time in the sun. Without sunscreen or protective clothing, you may develop skin cancer.

• High altitude and sunny climates. The sunlight is strongest at high elevations and there is more exposure in sunny climates.

• Skin lesions. Scaly, rough spots that range from dark pink to brown. These lesions, usually on the arms, hands or face of light complexion people, are caused by sun damage and can develop into skin cancer.

• Moles. Irregular, large moles can be a skin cancer warning sign. Watch them for changes and see your doctor.

• Family history of skin cancer. A parent, brother or sister who has had skin cancer puts you at higher risk. Do self exams and see your doctor at least once a year for a full exam.

• Personal history of skin cancer. If you’ve had it once, you are at risk of getting it again, even if it was successfully removed. It can recur in the same spot within two to three years.

• A weak immune system. Your body’s natural defense system is low. You may be able to strengthen your immune system.

• Fragile skin tissue. Any skin that has been burned, injured or treated for other skin conditions make it more susceptible to sun damage and skin cancer. Even certain creams used for treatment may increase your risk.

• Environmental hazards. Chemicals, pesticides, herbicides may increase your risk when exposed to them.

• Your age. Skin cancer risks increase with age. Most develop slowly and may not be manifest until middle age. With women younger than 40, basal cell and squamous cell are increasing fastest.




Let me remind everyone that skin cancer is highly curable with early detection and proper treatment.

And I have survived for 20 years from stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma, chemotherapy, double radical neck dissection and radiation treatment.

When things aren’t going your way, find or make a reason to laugh. I know it can be real hard sometimes, but everytime I do it, I feel better.

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