Skin Cancer Risk Factors: Are You High Risk?

Anyone can get skin cancer, but some people are at higher risk. Here is what raises risk — and what to do about it.

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Written & reviewed by Dr Rupinder Singh Walia — MBBS, FRACGP, Dip. Dermatology (Cardiff, UK) · AHPRA MED0001647256 · special interest in skin cancer medicine & dermoscopy

Anyone can develop skin cancer — but some people are at higher risk and benefit from checking their skin more closely and more often. Here are the factors that raise risk, and what to do if several apply to you. Worried about a spot? A doctor can review it for $49.

What raises your risk

Fair skin that burns easily and tans poorly; red or fair hair; freckles.
A history of sunburn (especially blistering) or heavy sun exposure — including tanning beds.
Many moles, or unusual (atypical) moles.
A personal or family history of melanoma or other skin cancer.
Older age — risk rises with cumulative sun exposure.
A weakened immune system (for example after an organ transplant).

Everyone is at some risk

Skin cancer can affect anyone, including people with darker skin — where it can be missed because it is less expected. In Australia’s climate, knowing the warning signs is worthwhile for everyone.

What to do if you are higher risk

Get to know your own skin, protect it from the sun, have regular in-person skin checks as advised, and review any new or changing spot promptly rather than waiting. Get a spot reviewed · how to lower your risk.

Not a diagnosis; cannot rule cancer in or out.

Worried about a mole, mark or changing skin area?

Most skin-cancer advice tells you to watch for change. Skin360AI helps you keep photos of one or more spots connected over time. A spot can be a mole, freckle, mark, lump, sore, patch or any skin area you want to watch. It is not a diagnosis and cannot rule skin cancer in or out.

If a lesion is new, changing, bleeding, non-healing or worrying you, arrange an in-person GP or skin-cancer clinic assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Who is most at risk of skin cancer?

People with fair skin that burns easily, a history of sunburn or high sun exposure, many moles or atypical moles, a personal or family history of skin cancer, older age, or a weakened immune system are at higher risk — but anyone can develop skin cancer.

Can people with dark skin get skin cancer?

Yes. It is less common but can be more advanced when found, partly because it is less expected — so everyone benefits from knowing the warning signs.

How often should high-risk people get a skin check?

People at higher risk are often advised to have regular skin checks (for example yearly, or as advised by their doctor) and to review any new or changing spot promptly.