Risk factors
The main risk factors for development of skin cancers and AKs are:
- Pale skin that does not tan easily – usually in people with blue eyes and red or blonde hair
- Exposure to UV radiation – including through natural sunlight and sunbeds, and repeated episodes of sunburn
- Age
- Immunosuppression – including diseases such as HIV and immunosuppressive drugs such as anti-rejection drugs after organ transplants
- Previous skin cancer diagnosis
- Family history of skin cancer
- A large number of freckles or moles.