Skin Cancer Prevention in General
Although exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) in the form of sunlight is the most commonly discussed causative factor when we talk about skin cancer, there are other factors that are linked to an increased incidence of skin cancer. We will briefly mention these to increase awareness and help you make more informed life choices.
General factors linked to a higher incidence of Skin Cancer
- Tanning beds – there is a direct link between tanning bed use and the early development of skin cancer. Avoid them at all cost.
- Obesity – this is linked to an increase incidence of melanoma
- Smoking – linked to an increased incidence of malignancy in general as well as skin cancer specifically
- Immunosuppression – the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer (link to page “About Skin Cancer”) is increased. In patients on medication that decreases their immunity (e.g. after organ transplantation) and in patients immunosuppressed due to other causes (e.g. infections like HIV which lead to AIDS)