Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Although anyone can be at the risk of skin cancer, you or your loved ones might be at higher risk because of your skin type. Sun exposure impacts every skin type differently and this very impact directly reveals your vulnerability to skin cancer. By understanding your skin type and cancer risk, you can manage and protect your skin health more effectively.
Identifying Skin Types: What’s Your Skin Type?
Fitzpatrick skin typing test is a scientific way to identify your skin type and figure out the skin cancer risk. Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin into 6 types based on its response to sun exposure. See which one matches you most:
| Type | Skin Tone | Response to Sun |
| Fitzpatrick skin type I | Pale, very fair or white |
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| Fitzpatrick skin type II | Fair or light, but darker than pale |
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| Fitzpatrick skin type III | Olive, light brown |
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| Fitzpatrick skin type IV | Moderate brown |
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| Fitzpatrick skin type V | Dark brown |
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| Fitzpatrick skin type VI | Darkest brown or black |
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Alternatively, you can take the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Fitzpatrick Skin Type Quiz to find out your skin type by answering a few questions.
How Skin Type Affects Skin Cancer Risk
The skin type 1 and 2 are at the highest risk. These skin types have less natural pigment called melanin that helps to protect the skin when exposed to sun. The risk level goes lower with more melanin or pigmented skin type. So, the risk gradually decreases for skin type 3 and 4.
Although there is a lower risk, skin type 5 and 6 can still be diagnosed with skin cancer. It’s a common misconception that they are immune to skin cancer and don’t need to manage their skin health or apply sunscreen. This false sense of security might lead to delayed diagnosis and to a stage where the treatment is more difficult.
Yes, Melanin helps, but it’s not the ultimate shield. The truth is, no matter what your skin type is, you can’t rely on it alone to protect your skin when exposed to the sun. You can still get skin cancer. So, you need to take the necessary steps to protect it.
Additional Skin Cancer Risk Factors Beyond Skin Type
Apart from the skin types, there are many other skin cancer risk factors you need to keep an eye on. When these overlap with a lighter skin type, the risk becomes even more significant.
- Family history of skin cancer
- Older age
- Too many moles or atypical moles
- History of organ transplant
- History of tanning, sunburn or both
- Jobs that involve prolonged outdoor work
Recognizing these risk factors will help you take necessary precautions before the symptoms even arise.
10 Skin Cancer Prevention Tips For Every Skin Type
The risk of getting skin cancer is never zero. But you can keep yourself and your loved ones in the lower risk zone with smart and consistent habits. Here are a few steps in doing that-
- Stay in the shade as much as possible, especially when the sun is the strongest. It’s usually between 11 am to 3 pm in the UK.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF regardless of your skin type. For extended outdoor activities, a sunscreen with 50 SPF is a better choice.
- Apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before going out and reapply every 2 hours.
- Choose a water-resistant sunscreen when you are swimming. Depending on the moisture protection time mentioned on the package, reapply after 40 or 80 minutes of being in water.
- Cover up with a sunhat, UV-blocking sunglasses and suitable clothing.
- Avoid UV tanning beds.
- Get protective window film for your home and car.
- Do monthly self-exams. Be conscious of anything new on your skin. The most serious form of skin cancer, melanoma, can start from an existing mole. Know that melanoma risk by skin tone varies, with lighter skin generally facing a higher risk. Keep an eye out for any spot or mole on your skin, and those with a lighter skin tone need to be more cautious. If it doesn’t go away in a few weeks or if it changes colour or size, see a dermatologist immediately.
- Even when you don’t find any abnormalities, it’s best to see your dermatologist at least once a year and take a full-body skin exam.
- Maintain a healthy diet because proper nutrition helps to fight free radicals and reduces skin cancer risk.
These preventive steps are nothing compared to what you or your members will go through if diagnosed with skin cancer. You can reduce that risk by making conscious decisions.
Awareness Matters: Support in Essex South West
Awareness and preventive steps can be more important than medical care. Through our in-home support for patients, we have seen firsthand how early awareness can save many lives. As a part of skin cancer awareness month, we at Visiting Angels Essex South West hope you take a few moments to know about your and your loved ones’ skin type and cancer risk. Taking care of your skin health based on the skin type can make a big difference.
About Visiting Angels Essex South West
Our compassionate and experienced caregivers are here to support your loved ones. Choosing Visiting Angels Essex South West means choosing care that feels like family. Our in-home support is not just personalized based on care needs, we also give you the option to choose from a range of caregivers that will understand your interests, values, routine, preferences and cultural differences.
Feel free to contact Visiting Angels Essex South West for quality care at home in Chigwell, Chingford, Epping, Leyton, Loughton, Waltham Abbey, Walthamstow, West Essex and surrounding areas.