| Risk factors for skin cancer |
Prevention strategies for skin cancer |
| UV radiation exposure
UV-A
UV-B |
Minimize sun exposure
Especially during peak sun hours, 10 AM-4 PM |
| Immunosuppression
UV radiation
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Immunosuppressive therapy
Organ transplant anti-rejection therapy |
Sun protection
UV-A & UV-B resistant wrap-around sun glasses
Sun protective clothing with tightly woven fabric
Wide-brim hat with neck flap |
| Genetic syndromes
Basal cell nevus syndrome
Epidermodysplasiaverruciformis
Oculocutaneousalbinism
Xerodermapigmentosum |
Sunscreens
Sunscreen with high SPF ≥ 15
Apply sunscreen to children ≥ 6 months of age
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours while outdoors, even on sunny days |
| Clinical therapies
Phototherapy
Psoralen + UV-A therapy (PUV-A) |
Avoid artificial tanning (beds & booths) |
| Viruses & infections
Human immunodeficiency virus
Human papilloma virus |
Sun safety education
Age-appropriate public health education
Directed skin cancer education: families, coaches, teachers, administrators, primary care physicians |
| Environmental pollutants & chemical carcinogens
Arsenic
Chromium
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons |
Screening
Periodic free screening programs |
| Ionizing radiation
X-rays |
Skin examinations
Mole watch
Frequent self-screen examinations
Skin examinations by dermatologists
Telemedicine skin exams |
| Miscellaneous risk factors
Advancing age
Alcohol intake
Artificial tanning
Dermatoses&keratoses
Fair skin color
Non-healing wounds & scars
Outdoor occupations |
Policies, services, & organizations
Promotion of health services & organizations that support skin cancer education
Planning & implementation of national public health policies which reduce UV exposures in populations |
