Question 1

can you protect your skin from skin cancer, following 10 years of intermittent sun bed use, from the age of 14? i thoroughly regret using them now.

Accepted Answer

Avoid sun now: You can't undo the past, but you can protect your skin now by avoiding sun exposure between 10 and 2 , wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen. Inspect your skin regularly and report any changes to your doctor.

Question 2

could it be that i have skin cancer at age 15?

Accepted Answer

Skin cancer age 15: Yes, it is possible. A recent study showed an increase in malignant melanoma in children, particularly those age 15-19, thought to be linked to use of tanning beds. Genetics and extensive ultraviolet light exposure can increase risk of skin cancer in teens. Any changing or symptomatic mole (itching, bleeding, crusting, tender, etc) needs to be shown to dermatologist as soon as possible.

Question 3

at what age can you get a skin cancer check and what is involved in getting one?

Accepted Answer

Skin check : There is no age limit when getting  a skin check. A. Dermatologist will inspect the skin visually sometimes with the aid of a magnifier looking from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet .  Get checked if there is a family history of skin cancer or suspicious area present.

Question 4

with head skin cancer at age 89, should it be ignored?  will somebody die before the skin cancer grows?

Accepted Answer

What kind?: There are several types of skin cancer.  Generally, the less agressive types are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.  Melanoma tends to be more aggressive.  The size & type of the skin cancer, as well as your overall health play factors in whether your skin cancer should be removed at the age of 89.

Question 5

can skin cancer come and then fade away?  then return again when in the sun.  or is this an age spot?

Accepted Answer

Yes it can: Melanoma/moles can regress spontaneously and recur. So be sure to consult a dermatologist and get proper  diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Question 6

how likely is it for a 72 year old male survivor of melanoma skin cancer to die before age 80?

Accepted Answer

Stage: Survival of melanoma depends on the stage of the cancer.

Question 7

is skin with many moles has more tendency to get skin cancer when exposed to sun? at what age (how soon)? how can i tan without being harmed?

Accepted Answer

Moles and cancer: Many moles is a risk factor for skin cancer. Melanoma usually arises on normal skin, only 20% of the time in a mole.Studies show that tanning, especially in tanning salons, increases risk of skin cancer regardless of number of moles. Melanoma risk is very small before age 12, but rises sharply after that. The more sun damage, the bigger skin cancer risk. New/changing lesions must be seen by derm.

Question 8

since a very young age i have been exposed to the sun bit i use to wear long clothes only my arms and face were not covered.is there a change of developing skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Solar damage: Yes, there may have been damage from solar rays. But, the good news is that you are young so you can start protecting yourself with high SPF sunscreen and wide brimmed hat. Take care.

Question 9

can someone who doesn't spend a lot of time outside get melanoma skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Sun exposure increases your risk but anyone of any race can get melanoma.  Bob Marley died of melanoma in his 30's.   :(

Question 10

for what reasons don't people who live in hot countries all get skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Ultraviolet light: Heat is not what caused skin cancer, it is ultraviolet light. People with higher content of melanin in the skin are protected from the ultraviolet light. Native people of countries near the tropics are dark skinned and that protects from skin cancer.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

What age does skin cancer typically occur

A member asked:

Can you protect your skin from skin cancer, following 10 years of intermittent sun bed use, from the age of 14? i thoroughly regret using them now.

A member asked:

Could it be that i have skin cancer at age 15?

A member asked:

At what age can you get a skin cancer check and what is involved in getting one?

A member asked:

With head skin cancer at age 89, should it be ignored? will somebody die before the skin cancer grows?

A member asked:

Can skin cancer come and then fade away? then return again when in the sun. or is this an age spot?

A member asked:

How likely is it for a 72 year old male survivor of melanoma skin cancer to die before age 80?

A member asked:

Is skin with many moles has more tendency to get skin cancer when exposed to sun? at what age (how soon)? how can i tan without being harmed?

A member asked:

Since a very young age i have been exposed to the sun bit i use to wear long clothes only my arms and face were not covered.is there a change of developing skin cancer?

A member asked:

Can someone who doesn't spend a lot of time outside get melanoma skin cancer?

A member asked:

For what reasons don't people who live in hot countries all get skin cancer?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?