5 Surprising Skin Cancer Risk Factors Skin cancer might pose a greater risk to your life than you think. These 5 risk factors, named by Prevention, are worth considering. 1. Getting just br one bad sunburn According to the Melanoma br Research Foundation, getting one br severe sunburn can double your risk br of developing skin cancer later in life. 2. Having fair skin The lighter your skin is, the less melanin br you have as protection from the sun's br rays. Sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher br can reduce your risk by 50 percent. 3. Being a ginger A 2013 study found that the same br genetic mutation that causes red hair br also activates a cancer-causing reaction br when a ginger is exposed to UV radiation. 4. Living in br the mountains The increase in UV radiation due br to elevation, combined with the br thinner air that can't absorb UV waves br effectively, puts you at a higher risk. 5.