Skin cancer clinic Gold Coast for pension, concession and DVA card holders and children under 16, can perform tests based on your medical history and skin condition to identify the stage. The doctors in the clinic also ensure you get the most appropriate treatment keeping in consideration all the factors.

However, before you visit the restricted bulk billing skin cancer clinic Gold Coast for pension, concession and DVA card holders and children under 16 it is important to know what might be the root cause behind it. Besides the fact that the risk of skin cancer increases with increased exposure to UV light, there are numerous other factors which can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer.

Let’s explore them:

Exposure

If you are based in an area with strong sunlight all-round the year, you are more likely to develop skin cancer. Moreover, going out in sunlight often without protective clothing can also increase the risk. Make sure you apply sunscreen whenever you have to spend long hours outside in the sun.

Age

Although, the risk increases with age, but even at a younger age, repeated sunburns can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer.

Gender

Skin cancer, both squamous cell carcinomas, and basal cell carcinomas have a significantly higher occurrence in men than women.

Complexion

The risk of skin cancer is higher among Caucasians. Moreover, the red-headed and blond-haired people are at a greater risk compared to others for developing skin cancer. Similarly, people with green or blue eyes are also at a higher risk.

Family’s Medical History

If you have one or more siblings or parents with skin cancer, you are more likely to develop it as compared to those with no family history in skin cancer. Moreover, those who have been diagnosed once with skin cancer can develop it again at any stage of their lives.

Skin Disorders

There are some specific skin conditions which put a person at risk of developing skin cancer. For example, xeroderma is a condition which diminishes a person’s ability to protect the skin against UV light, hence increasing the risk of skin cancer.

Smoking

Smoking increases the risk of squamous cell skin cancer specifically on the lips.

Gorlin Syndrome

Gorlin syndrome or basal cell nevus syndrome increases the risk of skin cancer in many folds. Persons suffering from this condition can develop skin cancer more than once in their lifetime and it starts as early as 20 years of age.

Exposure to Chemicals

Those who work in industries and have increased exposure to such chemicals as arsenic, tar, paraffin, and coal can develop many skin conditions including non-melanoma skin cancer.

Previous Treatments

This is another factor contributing to an increased risk of skin cancer. For example, if you have had treatment for psoriasis or exposed to radiation, you can develop skin cancer more easily.

Although there are some circumstances where one cannot diminish the risk of skin cancer, still with proper precautions, it can be reduced significantly. Prevention is always better than cure. Avoiding overexposure to sunlight, dressing properly for long hours in the sun, and applying sunscreen can help a lot in reducing the risk of skin cancer.