There are various risk factors for skin cancer. Below is a standard questionnaire I get patients who see me to fill in, while waiting for their appointment.

Try and answer these questions for yourself. If you are of Skin Type I or II and or say yes, to any of the other questions below, you are at a higher risk of getting skin cancer.

Skin Cancer Screening Questionnaire

1. What is your skin type? 

• I Pale white skin, blue/hazel eyes, blond/red hair- Always burn, do not tan
• II Fair skin, blue eyes- Burn easily, tan poorly
• III Darker white skin- Tan after initial burn
• IV Light brown skin- Burn minimally, tan easily
• V Brown skin- Rarely burn, tan darkly easily
• VI Dark brown or black skin- Never burn, always tan darkly

2. Have you ever used sun beds? Yes/ No
3. Have you ever sunbathed? Yes/ No
4. Have you ever had bad sunburns with blistering? Yes/ No
5. Have you worked outdoors or do have any outdoor hobbies? Yes/ No
6. Have you lived/ worked abroad (excluding yearly short breaks/ holidays)? Yes/ No
7. Have you had skin cancer in the past? Yes/ No
8. Any close family members with skin cancer? Yes/ No
9. Do you or any immediate family members have more than a 50-100 moles? Yes/ No
10. Have you had radiotherapy or phototherapy (UVB/ PUVA)? Yes/ No
11. Do you take any tablets that suppress your immune system? Yes/ No
12. Do you wear a SpF30+ sunscreen when outside and/or keep away from mid-day sun?Yes/ No
13. If you are bald- do you wear a hat/ cap? Yes/ No/ NA

Please do not assume that you will get skin cancer if you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions. It just means that you are at a higher risk, compared to someone who doesn’t have these risk factors. Taking adequate precautions (Read: Sunscreen myths) will minimise your skin cancer risk.

If you are worried about skin cancer, please Consult a Dermatologist.