Skin Cancer

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Causes

Most skin cancers happen because of too much sun exposure. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays damage the DNA in skin cells.

Skin cancer is more common in areas that get the most sun, like the face, back of the hands, and arms. The risk also goes up as you get older, because sun damage builds up over time.

Contact with certain chemicals, or taking medicines that weaken your immune system, can also raise your risk.

Additional Risk Factors

  • Having lighter skin
  • Having red or blond hair
  • Having certain types of abnormal skin growths, like actinic keratoses (rough, red, scaly patches)
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Having a family history of skin cancer
  • Using tanning booths or sunlamps
  • Wounds or scars that will not heal


Last Updated May 2026

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