Skin Cancer Risk Factors - A Family History Of Skin Cancer | Skin Care

By AdrianFletcher
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Skin cancer is probably the most common form of cancer that can be readily diagnosed if people are vigilant and inspect their body from time to time. It is treatable if caught early enough. Part of being vigilant is to understand if you are more at risk to skin cancer than other people and the common risk factors that make this so. This article will discuss how a family history of skin cancer is a obvious risk factor for skin cancer.

To give this a point of reference, risk factors do not prove one way or the other that you will get skin cancer but they can certainly inform you on how to care for your skin and what may happen if you don't take skin care seriously.

Even so, if you are fortunate enough not to have a family history of skin cancer then don't think that you can treat your skin poorly and dismiss skin cancer. It is one of the most common cancers in the world today and is increasing at a rapid rate. Everybody should be alert when it comes to skin cancer. General advice is to have an annual screening for any moles or marks on the skin. Better still you should examine your body regularly and see your doctor if you find new moles or existing ones changing shape or color.

A family history of skin cancer will increase the chances of a person getting the disease. Statistics suggest that the chances are one to ten that you will get skin cancer if a relative has had it previously. This number increases the closer the family member is to you. A first degree relative like your mother or father will increase the odds by 50% that you will get skin cancer. Thus if your doctor is aware of your family history they can be more strict on advising you to get regular screenings and to take active precautions in the sun and other circumstances where you may get the disease.

Another hereditary link that health care professionals look out for is referred to as the Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma Syndrome (FAMMM). Some skin types will have numerous moles on them. They may be irregular in size and shape. They may vary in color from black to brown to lighter shades. These skin types are more susceptible to developing skin cancer.

This means that you are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer if any of your family have these types of moles on their skin. You may even have moles on your skin too or notice that they are appearing more as you get older. If this is the case your doctor will ask you to watch the moles carefully for any changes. They will also advise that you get screened for any skin blemishes or marks by a professional at least once a year.

Other than a family history of skin cancer other risk factors include fair skin, freckles on the skin and over exposure to the sun or ultra-violet light that leads to burned or overly tanned skin. Understanding these risk factors and if you may fall into any of these categories can help you modify your behavior in terms of getting a tan and wearing sun screen. It can also make you get a regular annual screening too. Preventative actions are key to avoiding skin cancer and fast diagnosis is key to treating it effectively.

About the Author

For information on common symptoms of skin cancer and dealing with skin cancer on the nose then visit symptomsofskincancer.net

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