Health Tip: Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

(HealthDay News) -- People who have fair skin -- or who are otherwise more susceptible to sunburn -- are at increased risk for skin cancer.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists these other common risk factors for skin cancer:

• Having a lot of freckles or moles.
• Having blue, gray or green eyes.
• Having blond or red hair.
• Having had many severe sunburns early in life.
• Having a family history of skin cancer.
• Being out in the sun frequently for long periods.
• Consistent exposure to the sun without use of sunscreen.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Nov. 12, 2008

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