5 Surprising Skin Cancer Risk Factors Skin cancer might pose a greater risk to your life than you think. These 5 risk factors, named by Prevention, are worth considering. 1. Getting just <br />one bad sunburn According to the Melanoma <br />Research Foundation, getting one <br />severe sunburn can double your risk <br />of developing skin cancer later in life. 2. Having fair skin The lighter your skin is, the less melanin <br />you have as protection from the sun's <br />rays. Sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher <br />can reduce your risk by 50 percent. 3. Being a ginger A 2013 study found that the same <br />genetic mutation that causes red hair <br />also activates a cancer-causing reaction <br />when a ginger is exposed to UV radiation. 4. Living in <br />the mountains The increase in UV radiation due <br />to elevation, combined with the <br />thinner air that can't absorb UV waves <br />effectively, puts you at a higher risk. 5. Flying frequently Bruce Robinson, MD, via Prevention
