5 Surprising Skin Cancer Risk Factors
- 6 years ago
5 Surprising Skin Cancer Risk Factors Skin cancer might pose a greater risk to your life than you think. These 5 risk factors, named by Prevention, are worth considering. 1. Getting just
one bad sunburn According to the Melanoma
Research Foundation, getting one
severe sunburn can double your risk
of developing skin cancer later in life. 2. Having fair skin The lighter your skin is, the less melanin
you have as protection from the sun's
rays. Sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher
can reduce your risk by 50 percent. 3. Being a ginger A 2013 study found that the same
genetic mutation that causes red hair
also activates a cancer-causing reaction
when a ginger is exposed to UV radiation. 4. Living in
the mountains The increase in UV radiation due
to elevation, combined with the
thinner air that can't absorb UV waves
effectively, puts you at a higher risk. 5. Flying frequently Bruce Robinson, MD, via Prevention
one bad sunburn According to the Melanoma
Research Foundation, getting one
severe sunburn can double your risk
of developing skin cancer later in life. 2. Having fair skin The lighter your skin is, the less melanin
you have as protection from the sun's
rays. Sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher
can reduce your risk by 50 percent. 3. Being a ginger A 2013 study found that the same
genetic mutation that causes red hair
also activates a cancer-causing reaction
when a ginger is exposed to UV radiation. 4. Living in
the mountains The increase in UV radiation due
to elevation, combined with the
thinner air that can't absorb UV waves
effectively, puts you at a higher risk. 5. Flying frequently Bruce Robinson, MD, via Prevention