Skin cancer is on the rise across the nation, and understanding the contributing factors to developing these types of cancer is more important than ever.

Exposure to the sun is one well known factor, but an oft-misunderstood one.  While avoiding intense, intermittent exposure such as sunburns is in fact important, chronic exposure at less intense levels is also a risk.  This type of exposure is associated particularly with squamous cell carcinoma development.  Intermittent exposure is more associated with basal cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Heredity also plays a large role as a risk factor.  In fact, an entire family can be predisposed to the development of melanoma.  Generally speaking, those who are fair skinned and who live in areas that facilitate exposure most are at the highest risk.  Those who have skin types I or II fall into this category, and usually have blond or red hair, light colored eyes, and do not tan well, burning easily.  Those who have a large number of moles, or any unusually large or abnormal moles are also at an increased risk.

To minimize risk, the proper use of sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, and limiting exposure to the sun is advised.