People at higher risk for skin cancer include:
- A past or family history of skin cancer
- A large number of moles on your skin
- ‘Atypical moles’ on your skin
- A skin type which burns more easily (skin phototype 1 or 2) when exposed to ultraviolet light
- Use of solariums, or other tanning machines, or sunbathing in natural sunlight
- A past history of sunburns
- Outdoor workers, or if spending large amounts outdoor without sun protection
- Living in sunny or high-altitude climates
- Having precancerous skin lesions such as solar keratoses
- Having a weakened immune system – especially people on immunosuppressive medications
- Older age – the risk of skin cancer increases with age, however younger people are still prone to developing skin cancers
