Risk factors
The main risk factors for the development of skin cancers and AK are:
- Pale skin that does not tan easily, usually in people with blue eyes and red or blonde hair
- Exposure to UV radiation – including natural sunlight and sunbeds; repeated episodes of sunburn
- Increasing age
- Immunosuppression – including diseases such as HIV and immunosuppressive therapy such as anti-rejection drugs after organ transplants
- Previous diagnosis of skin cancer
- Family history of skin cancer
- A large number of freckles or moles
Refelection exercise 1
Find out what advice local organ transplant services give concerning the risks of skin cancer in immunosuppressed patients. Reflect on how you and your team might reinforce this advice.