Skin Cancer Risks

Anyone can develop skin cancer, although people with certain types of skin are at greater risk for developing sun damage and skin cancer. Your skin type (phototype) is one of the main factors in your risk for skin cancer, and is based on how your skin reacts to UV light.

There are six skin phototypes, going from light to dark, with Type I being the most sensitive to UV and Type VI being the least sensitive to UV. In addition, people who have many moles; those who work outdoors; those who have had a personal or family history of skin cancer; and those who are immunosuppresed are at increased risk of developing skin cancer.