Are you at an increased risk of skin cancer?

It's easy to assume that skin cancer risk is only a concern for sunbathers or tanning booth users. But skin cancer is actually the most common cancer in the United States. And rates have nearly doubled in the last two decades.

This doesn't mean you should avoid the outdoors. But it is important to be sun smart.

Protect your skin against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays by wearing protective clothing and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30. And, of course, be aware of your risk factors.

Who's at higher risk?

Certain skin types are more prone to skin cancer. But even if you have darker skin or don't tend to burn, UV rays can still cause harm. Here are common risk factors:

• Excessive sun exposure. Anyone who spends a lot of time in the sun has an increased risk of skin cancer, especially if skin isn't protected.
• Tanning bed use. Using tanning lamps and beds increases risk dramatically. Risk of developing the most serious form of skin cancer (melanoma) later in life increases by 75% in people who use tanning beds before age 30.
• Fair skin. Having less pigment in your skin provides less protection from damaging UV radiation. If you have blond or red hair and light-colored eyes, and you freckle or sunburn easily, you're much more likely to develop skin cancer.
• A history of sunburns. Having had one or more blistering sunburns as a child or teenager increases your risk of skin cancer as an adult. Sunburns in adulthood also increase your risk.
• Sunny or high-altitude climates. People who live in sunny, warm climates are exposed to more sunlight than those who live in colder climates. Living at higher elevations, where sunlight is strongest, also exposes you to more radiation.
• Moles. People who have many moles or abnormal moles are at increased risk of melanoma, especially if this trait runs in their families.
• Family history of skin cancer. If one of your parents or a sibling has had skin cancer, you may be at an increased risk of skin cancer.
• Personal history of skin cancer. If you've developed skin cancer once, you're at risk of developing it again.
• Weakened immune system. People with weakened immune systems have a greater risk of developing skin cancer. This includes people living with an organ transplant or chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or people taking immunosuppressant drugs.