Anyone can develop skin cancer. However, the likelihood of developing skin cancer increases with age and when you have one or more of the following risk factors.

Individuals having light skin that freckles easily and who tend to burn rather than tan.

Individuals with previous history of skin cancer are at an increased risk and should take great care to minimize UV exposure.

Individuals on long term immunosuppression (to prevent organ rejection) or for treatment of severe arthritis face an increased skin cancer risk.

People living in geographic regions receiving high-intensity sunlight, such as Florida, Caribbean, or northern Australia are at a greater risk.

People with a family history of skin cancer especially with a fair skin and a northern European heritage are generally at a higher risk of developing the disease.

Due to a reduction of ozone in the earth's atmosphere, the level of UV light today is higher than it was 50 or 100 years ago which increases the risk of skin cancer.

Occupational exposures to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds, or radium increase the chance of developing skin cancer.

People who spend a lot of time outdoors or in leisure activities in the sun.