Condition
Fair skin cancer risks
David Cohen, M.D.Published 11 March 20051 min read
Key points
- Anyone who sunburns easily is at high risk for skin cancer.
- Use sunscreen and keep infants and children out of the sun altogether.
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 include:
- Freckled skin
- Blue, gray or green eyes
- Blond or red hair
- Multiple moles
- Close relatives who had skin cancer (may be a factor)
- Multiple severe sunburns in childhood or adolescence (this is a BIG risk factor!)
Use sunscreen and keep infants and children out of the sun altogether. See sunburn.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
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