Skin cancer (squamous cell)

Your skin type

Doctors say people have different skin types. They can tell which skin type you have by using the table below.

Source:
American Academy of Dermatology.
Facts about sunscreens.
Available at http://www.aad.org/media/background/factsheets/fact_sunscreen.htm (accessed on 16 March 2009).

Here's what we know about how your skin type affects your chances of getting squamous cell skin cancer.

Source:
Glanz K, Saraiya M, Wechsler H, et al.
Guidelines for school programs to prevent skin cancer.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2002; 51: 1-18.

People who have skin type I, II or III are most likely to get this cancer.
People who have black skin are far less likely to get it.

Skin type	People who:	Examples
I	Always burn easily, never tan, have skin that is extremely sensitive to the sun	Red-headed people; people who have freckles; people who are of Irish, Welsh or Scottish descent
II	Always burn easily, tan a little, have skin that is very sensitive to the sun	Fair-skinned, light-haired or blue-eyed people
III	Sometimes burn, tan slowly to a light brown, have skin that is sensitive to the sun	Most white people have this type of skin
IV	Burn a little, always tan to a moderate brown color, are a little sensitive to the sun	People of Mediterranean descent
V	Rarely burn, tan well, are not sensitive to the sun	People of Middle Eastern descent, some Hispanics, some black people
VI	Never burn, have very dark skin, are not sensitive to the sun	Most black people

Sources for the information on this page:

American Academy of Dermatology.Facts about sunscreens.Available at http://www.aad.org/media/background/factsheets/fact_sunscreen.htm (accessed on 16 March 2009).

Glanz K, Saraiya M, Wechsler H, et al.Guidelines for school programs to prevent skin cancer.Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2002; 51: 1-18.

This information was last updated on Apr 14, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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