Skin cancer most often occurs on the skin which is directly exposed to the sun for long hours. There are other causes and risks that lead to skin cancer. It occurs when mutations in the cell causes them to grow and form cancer cells. Skin cancer begins in the skin’s top layer the epidermis. The epidermis is a thin layer which acts as a protective cover of skin cells. The body sheds the epidermis.

The epidermis has mainly three types of cells:

• Squamous cells which are just below the epidermis and are the inner lining. The epidermis is the outer lining of the skin.
• Basal cells lie beneath the squamous cells and they produce new skin cells.
• Melanocytes lie in the lower part of the epidermis and produces melanin which gives the skin its normal color.

The type of skin cancer you get is based on which cells it affects and treatment is given accordingly.

The most common factors which increase the risk of skin cancer include:

1. Damage to skin cells due to exposure to the sun
Most of the damage to the DNA in skin cells is a result of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight. Tanning beds, a device that emits ultraviolet radiation to give people a tan, also increases the risk of skin cancer due to high exposure to UV rays.

2. High-altitude climates
Higher altitudes have stronger sunlight. This exposes you to more radiation and the risks involved with it.

3. Frequent sunburns
Getting sunburnt even once every two years almost triples the risk of melanoma.

4. Fair skin
A person with fair skin has less of the melanin pigment in the skin. Melanin is the pigment that protects the skin from damaging UV radiation, which can cause cancer. A person with blond or red hair and light-colored eyes, who freckles or sunburns easily is more likely to develop cancer of the skin than a person who has darker skin.

5. Moles
Most moles are harmless but having abnormal-sized moles or having too many moles on your body puts you at a higher risk of skin cancer. If you have many moles, have a regular check-up with a dermatologist to ensure that they are not growing or turning cancerous.

6. Family history or inherited conditions
Individuals whose parents or siblings have been affected with skin cancer are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer. Some inherited diseases and conditions of the skin may increase the risk of developing skin cancer. A regular check-up with a dermatologist will help rule out fears.

7. Age and gender
The risk of skin cancer increases with age as older people have been in the sun longer. The incidence of skin cancer has been around two times more common in men than in women, which may be because men spend more time in the sun than women do.

Keeping in mind the risk factors it is advisable to keep yourself protected when in the sun. Use sunscreens and wear sun-protective clothing. Check your skin regularly for any suspicious marks or wounds and schedule appointments with a dermatologist if you are at a high risk of being affected. Try to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15.