Skin Cancer Prevention and Screening

Keeping skin cancer at bay in San Diego

A smiling doctor, nurse and patient represent the importance of skin cancer screening and prevention.

Dr. Kenneth Shimizu, Scripps Cancer Center, Scripps Clinic and staff

Keeping skin cancer at bay in San Diego

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer among both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed each year. Doctors do know some causes of skin cancer, as well as ways to help prevent it. Continue reading below for more about skin cancer risk factors, prevention and screening, as well as the benefits of early detection. 


Scripps Cancer Center provides a full range of services to diagnose and prevent skin cancer.

Causes, risks and family history

Skin cancer affects more people than any other cancer type. Scripps encourages you to learn as much as possible about skin cancer causes, risks and family history. 

What causes skin cancer?

Skin cancer begins when skin cells start to grow out of control. Many skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, as well as from tanning beds or other UV sources. But not all skin cancers are caused by UV exposure, and not all causes are known.

Risk factors

Basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma skin cancers share many risk factors. A major risk factor for all three types is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or man-made sources, such as tanning beds. The UV rays cause changes to the cells that, in turn, cause them to grow out of control.


Certain risk factors raise the chances of developing skin cancer, including:


  • Exposure to UV (ultraviolet) rays
  • Light-colored skin, especially if you get freckles or burn easily in the sun
  • Red or blond hair, blue or green eyes
  • Family history of skin cancer (parent, sibling or child)
  • Exposure to large amounts of arsenic, a chemical sometimes found in well water and used to make some pesticides and other products
  • Previous radiation treatments
  • Weakened immune system
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
  • Smoking (for squamous cell cancer)
  • Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), a rare inherited condition that makes it difficult for skin cells to repair damage caused by sun exposure
  • Basal cell nevus syndrome, a rare condition present at birth that may be inherited (for basal cell cancer)


Having any of these risk factors does not mean you will develop skin cancer. If you’re concerned about your risk, talk with your doctor about ways to reduce it.

Family history and genetic testing

If you have family members who have had skin cancer, or you have an inherited condition that raises your risk, consider talking with a genetic counselor. Scripps genetic counselors can provide information, counseling and recommendations, and assist with referrals for genetic testing. Our genetic counselors are health care professionals with specialized graduate training in medical genetics and counseling. 

Skin cancer prevention

While skin cancer cannot be completely prevented, you can take steps to protect yourself from UV rays. Screening exams can help find skin cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful.

How to prevent skin cancer

The following preventive factors can help with skin cancer prevention:


  • Avoid or minimize exposure to the sun.
  • Avoid UV exposure from tanning booths and sunlamps.
  • Wear sunscreen whenever you are outdoors, even on cloudy days.
  • Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head and neck from UV rays.
  • Wear sun-protective clothing to protect your body from UV rays.
  • Avoid harmful chemicals, such as arsenic.

Benefits of early detection

Early detection of skin cancer, when it’s in an early stage and has not spread beyond the skin, can be easier to treat and lead to more successful outcomes. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year relative survival rates for basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer and melanoma are close to 100% when detected early.

Preventive screening

Skin cancer screening exams can help find skin cancer in its early stages. Your physician or dermatologist can perform a visual check of the skin for any changes or early signs of skin cancer. A doctor can see areas that may not be visible to you, such as your scalp and back. 


Be sure to discuss your family medical history and relevant health information with your physician, as well as your outdoor activities and use of sunscreens, hats or other apparel that can help protect your skin from harmful exposure to UV rays.


In addition, check your skin yourself at home. If you notice any changes in moles or spots on your skin, or any new spots, have them examined by a dermatologist as soon as possible.