Understanding skin cancer risk factors

Skin cancer risk is not one number — it is a stack of factors that raise or lower the chance of developing melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer over a lifetime. Some are fixed (skin type, family history, age), and some are highly modifiable (sunburn, sunbed use, daily SPF habits). Knowing where you sit on that stack helps you match the intensity of your monitoring to your actual risk band, rather than defaulting to "I'll deal with it if I see something".

What increases skin cancer risk?

Fair skin (Fitzpatrick I–II) that burns easily and rarely tans.
Any history of blistering sunburn, especially in childhood or adolescence.
Use of tanning beds — particularly before age 35 (WHO/IARC: ~75% higher melanoma risk).
More than 50 moles on the body, or any atypical (dysplastic) moles.
A personal history of melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer.
A first-degree relative with melanoma (roughly doubles risk).
Long-term immunosuppression (post-transplant, certain long-term medications).
Years of outdoor occupational sun exposure without protection.

When should you see a GP or dermatologist about your skin?

Book a visit if you notice any of the red-flag signs below, even if the quiz places you in a low band. Screening scores summarise long-term risk; a red-flag spot needs to be reviewed on its own merits.

A mole that is changing in size, colour, shape or symmetry.
A lesion or mole that bleeds, weeps or itches persistently.
A sore or scab that has not healed within 4–6 weeks.
A spot that is spreading, growing quickly, or looks unlike any other on your body.
A new pigmented spot appearing in adulthood, especially after age 40.

Frequently asked questions

Is this skin cancer risk quiz free?

Yes. The skin cancer risk quiz is 100% free, with no account, no email, and no payment required. It runs directly in your browser on this page.

Do I need to download an app to take the quiz?

No. There is nothing to install. The quiz works on any modern phone or desktop browser in about two minutes, with no app store, no login, and no upload of photos.

Can this quiz diagnose skin cancer?

No. This is an awareness and screening tool only. It cannot diagnose skin cancer or any other disease. If you notice a changing, bleeding, or non-healing spot, please see a GP or dermatologist promptly.

What increases the risk of skin cancer?

The main risk factors are fair skin (Fitzpatrick I–II), a history of blistering sunburn (especially in childhood), tanning bed use, more than 50 moles or any atypical moles, a personal or family history of melanoma, long-term immunosuppression, and years of unprotected outdoor sun exposure.

How often should I check my skin?

Most adults benefit from a monthly self-check with dated photos of any mole they are watching, plus an annual review by a GP or dermatologist. If you fall in a higher-risk band (family history, many moles, prior skin cancer), consider a 6-monthly dermatology check.

What should I do after taking the quiz?

If you have a specific spot you are worried about, run a free AI scan on the Mole Checker or start a dated photo series with our 3-month monitoring tool. For general risk reduction, focus on sunburn prevention, avoid tanning beds, and book a routine skin check with your GP.

Skin cancer risk quiz