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A Family History Of Skin Cancer Is A Risk Factor For Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a common form of cancer for people that expose their skin to the sun often. It can be readily treated if picked up quickly enough through screening sessions or personal inspection of the body for any moles, other skin blemishes or changes in existing marks on the skin. However preventing skin cancer from ever occurring is a far better approach. And prevention is far more successful if people are aware of the risk factors that make them more susceptible to the disease. This article will detail how a family history of skin cancer is a major risk factor for skin cancer in a person.

To put this in context, risk factors will not conclusively prove that you will get skin cancer however they can give you some pointers on how to treat your skin for instance or how much time you should spend in the sun. They can show you what may happen if you neglect your skin for a long time.

After saying this, if you don't have a family history of skin cancer then this doesn't give you license to treat your skin badly and not head common sense warning on skin cancer. Everybody should show vigilance when dealing with skin cancer. It is one of the more prevalent forms of cancer about. Annual screenings are a good idea for anyone regardless of whether they fall into a high risk or low risk category. A regular self inspection is also important for anyone regardless of risk factors.

Cancer is no different to many diseases in that the genes of a person can predispose them to it. A family history of skin cancer will increase the chances of getting the disease. It is thought that there is a one in ten chance of getting a melanoma (the worst form of skin cancer) if one of your family have already had it. And the odds increase the closer in the family that person is to you. Thus if your mother or father had a melanoma then the chances increase by 50% that you may get a melanoma. Thus if your health care provider becomes aware of this situation they will advise you to take extra preventative steps against skin cancer and be more diligent in monitoring any marks on your skin. They will also suggest a regular screening session.

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.

Apart from a family history of skin cancer there are other factors that predispose you to skin cancer. These include fair skin or skin with plenty of freckles. People that spend too much time in the sun are also at risk. People that use sun beds too much are also at risk. Becoming aware of the factors that increase your risk of getting skin cancer is the first step towards preventing the disease.

By: Adrian Fletcher

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

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