Skin cancer and fair skinned people
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
Fair skin cancer risks
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
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.