Do I have a higher chance of getting skin cancer if a family member had it?

If a family member had skin cancer, you may have a higher chance of getting it.  Some things, such as skin type, environment, and lifestyle are similar among family members.  There are many things you can do to lower your chance of getting skin cancer though.  These things include:

• Wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater
• Apply sunscreen 30-45 minutes before going outside
• Reapply sunscreen every two to three hours
• Stay in the shade as much as possible
• Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts to protect skin from the sun
• Wear sun glasses
• Wear a hat
• Avoid the sun during the hottest parts of the day (This is when the UV rays are the strongest)
• Avoid tanning beds

Do a self skin check each month. If you notice any new or strange moles, talk to your doctor. Thinks to look for include:

• Changes in any moles, bumps, or rough patches
• Moles with a dark color (blue, black, purple, green, etc)
• Moles that are not the same color or shade throughout
• Moles with irregular/wavy borders
• Moles that are asymmetrical (one side looks different than the other side)
• Moles that are bigger around than the eraser on the top of a pencil
• Spots that itch or bleed.

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