If you are light skinned, like me, the problem is even more complicated in that you are continually burning. The major problem in sun damaged skin is a more rapid aging process and with the damage an increased risk of skin cancer. Several factors increase the chance of getting skin cancer. While anyone can get skin cancer the risk is greater for people with fair skin that freckles easily. Skin cancer is more common where people get more UV radiation so we have many more cases here in Texas than occur in Minnesota where the sun is not as strong.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.
It is projected that 40 to 50 percent of Americans who live to the age of 65 will have skin cancer at least once. The numbers go up appreciably in folks with outdoor jobs or hobbies. Fortunately most skin cancers are slow growing and when caught in time can be removed surgically or treated with other methods successfully. The one skin cancer that can be life threatening is melanoma. Sun exposure is the main element to cause this type of cancer.