People of all races can burn—no matter who you are or where you live. It makes no difference whether you're Irish, African-American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American—or whatever! Some people, however, may be at higher risk than others. Having one or more of the following risk factors could increase your risk for developing skin cancer.
- Spending a great deal of time in the sun, especially during childhood
- Having fair skin that easily burns or freckles
- Having had severe burns from the sun, tanning beds or lamps, x-rays or radiation
- Living in the Sun Belt or at higher elevations
- Having a family history of certain types of skin cancer
- Having an immune system weakened for any reason
- Appearance of moles
