Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US — with over 5 million cases diagnosed annually. Your personal risk depends on several factors including skin type, sun exposure history, and family history. This tool assesses your relative risk profile for educational purposes.
Assess Your Risk Factors
How to Use the Skin Cancer Risk Calculator
This skin cancer risk calculator evaluates five established risk factors to estimate your relative risk profile. It is not a diagnostic tool but helps identify whether professional screening is a priority.
Understanding Skin Types
The Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin photosensitivity from Type I (very fair, freckles easily, always burns) to Type VI (deeply pigmented, almost never burns). Types I-II have significantly higher melanoma risk due to less melanin protection against UV radiation. Type III-IV have moderate risk while Types V-VI have lower UV-related risk, though they are not immune to skin cancer.
Key Risk Factors
Blistering sunburns before age 20 are particularly strong risk factors — they damage DNA in developing cells. Each indoor tanning session increases melanoma risk by 1.8% (World Health Organization data). Having 50+ moles doubles melanoma risk compared to having fewer than 25. A first-degree relative with melanoma roughly doubles your personal risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this skin cancer risk tool free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required.
Is this a diagnostic tool?
No. This tool assesses relative risk factors for educational purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool and cannot detect or diagnose skin cancer. A dermatologist performs formal skin cancer screening through visual examination and dermoscopy.
What is the Fitzpatrick skin type scale?
The Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin into 6 types based on reaction to UV exposure: Type I (always burns, never tans — very fair), Type II (usually burns, sometimes tans), Type III (sometimes burns, always tans), Type IV (rarely burns, always tans), Type V (very rarely burns, moderately dark), Type VI (never burns, very dark). Types I-II are at highest risk from UV exposure.
What is the ABCDE rule for melanoma?
The ABCDE rule helps identify potentially cancerous moles: Asymmetry (one half doesn't match the other), Border (irregular, ragged edges), Color (multiple colors or uneven distribution), Diameter (larger than 6mm, about a pencil eraser), Evolving (changing size, shape, or color). Any suspicious mole should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
How often should I get a skin cancer screening?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends annual skin exams for people with elevated risk factors (fair skin, family history, extensive sun exposure, history of sunburns). Most adults should have a baseline skin exam and discuss frequency with their dermatologist based on individual risk factors.