What's Your Risk For Skin Cancer?
Risk Factor Quiz
Exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun is the most important fact in determining a person's risk of skin cancer. Past sunburns, sun exposure at young ages, genetics and immune system deficiencies may also play a part. This quiz can help determine your risk for developing skin cancer. After you add up your total points, match your score with those noted below to find your risk level.
| ____ | Hair Color | Blond/Red = 4, Brown = 3, Black = 1 |
| ____ | Eye Color | Blue/Green = 4, Hazel = 3, Brown = 2 |
| ____ | Where is your job? | Outdoors = 4, Mixed = 3, Indoors = 2 |
| ____ | When exposed to one hour of summer sun, you: | Burn and sometimes blister = 4, Burn then tan = 3, Tan = 1 |
| ____ | Do you have freckles? | Many = 5, Some = 3, None = 1 |
| ____ | Has anyone in your family had skin cancer? | Yes = 5, No = 1 |
| ____ | Where in the U.S. did you live most before the age of 18? | South = 4, Midwest = 3, North = 2 |
Risk Levels
- 10 - 15 points . . . Below average risk
- 16 - 22 points . . . Average risk
- 23 - 25 points . . . High risk
- 26 - 30 points . . . Very high risk
People with the following characteristics have the highest risk for skin cancer:
- Fair complexions that burn or blister easily
- Blond or red hair
- Blue, green or gray eyes
- Excessive sun exposure during childhood and teen years, blistering and sunburns before age 20
- Family history of skin cancer
- More than 100 moles; 50 if you are under age 20
DISCLAIMER: The information provided by this site is intended solely for educational purposes. This information is not to be used for medical diagnostic purposes and is not intended to serve as a recommendation for treatment and/or management of any medical/surgical condition. Most of all, this information should not be used in place of a physician or other qualified health provider. If you believe you have a medical condition, please contact your physician immediately.
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