What Causes Skin Cancer?
Most cases of melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer, are caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV rays). UV rays can come from natural sunlight as well as from indoor tanning devices such as tanning beds, tanning booths and sunlamps.
Some people are more likely than others to develop skin cancer. Risk factors vary for different types of skin cancer, but some general risks include:
Having a lighter natural skin color.
Having a family history of skin cancer.
Having a personal history of skin cancer.
Exposure to the sun through work and play.
Having a history of sunburns, especially early in life.
Having a history of indoor tanning.
Having skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun.
Blue or green eyes.
Blond or red hair.
Certain types and a large number of moles.
