5 Risk Factors for Skin Cancer People Must Consider

Nearly everyone knows that skin cancer is a very real possibility, but few are aware of exactly how little it takes to prevent this potentially deadly illness. More than one million people are diagnosed each year with various forms of skin cancer. Colorado Springs residents aren't an exception to this statistic. Here are a few risk factors you may not have previously considered.

· Ongoing exposure to UV radiation, particularly if you're unprotected at the time, puts you at much higher risk for this condition. There are many potential sources of UV radiation that you may not be aware of, too. Sunlight is perhaps the largest source of this type of radiation, but UV lamps, some welding equipment, and even phototherapy lamps can also place you in areas where the UV radiation occurs at a much higher concentration.

· If you have a fair complexion, you're at a much higher risk of skin cancer. Colorado Springs residents who don't have naturally darker skin may find themselves coming down with this condition at much higher rates than those with other pigmentations. While this isn't a primary risk factor, it's certainly something to be aware of every time you go out in the sun.

· Some jobs may put you at greater risk of this condition. If your job involves coal tar or pitch as well as arsenic compounds, radium, or even creosote, skin cancer is a very real possibility, and your employer should provide you ongoing screenings to ensure you're exposure rates haven't been too high.

· Childhood may also play a role in skin cancer. Colorado Springs adults who experienced sunburns as a child are far more likely to be diagnosed with one of the many forms of skin cancer than others are. Because the UV radiation can take some time to build up in your system, by the time you reach adulthood, you could be looking at some very real consequences for serious burns as a child.

· Individuals with multiple moles are also considered to be in a high risk category. Keeping an eye on every mole you have for changes is essential, as it can help you notify health professionals in plenty of time.

Whether you're at greater risk than others or you've just noticed a change in your skin that you're suddenly concerned about, contacting the right professional help is an absolute must to diagnose and treat this condition early.