Skin Cancer
Did You Know?
- 1 in 6 Canadians will get skin cancer during his or her lifetime.
- One third of cancers diagnosed is skin cancer.
- Skin cancer is preventable.
Risk Factors
The leading cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) radiation (from sunlight or artificial sources, such as tanning beds). You are at higher risk of skin cancer if you have/are:
- Fair skin that burns or freckles easily.
- Red or blonde hair with blue or green eyes.
- A large number of moles (>50) or moles that are unusual in colour, shape, or size.
- A history of sunburns or UVR overexposure from the sun or tanning beds.
- A personal or family history of skin cancer.
- A weakened immune system.
- Taking medications that increase your sensitivity to the sun.
Early Detection
- Skin cancer can occur anywhere – including on the soles of the feet, the palms of the hands, the armpits, and under nails.
- Learn about the different types of skin cancer.
- Report concerns to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Date of creation: December 19, 2012
Last modified on: March 26, 2023
References
3Slevin, T. (2014). Sun, Skin and Health. Collingwood VIC, Australia: CSIRO Publishing.
