Personal risk score for developing a keratinocyte cancer in the next 3 years

Please enter answers to ALL of the following questions from the drop-down menus in the boxes:

How old are you?

What sex are you?

What is your ancestry? (That is, where did most of your ancestors come from?) note: "other" includes Asia, Pacific Islands, Africa, Indigenous Australian

How would you describe your natural skin colour on areas never exposed to the sun (like under your arm)?

IMAGINE you spent several weeks outdoors in the sun, without protecting your skin with sunscreen or clothing. Which of the following would happen to your skin?

When you were 21 years of age, how many FRECKLES on your face did you have at the end of summer? Match your answers with the pictures

About how many times were you sunburned so badly that you were sore for at least 2 days, or your skin peeled as a CHILD? (less than 10 years old)

About how many separate SKIN CANCERS (but not moles or warts) have you ever had CUT OFF your skin?

About how many separate SUNSPOTS or SKIN CANCERS have you ever had FROZEN or BURNT OFF your skin?

How would you describe your smoking history?

Risk Level:

Compared to another in your age group, your risk of skin cancer in the next 3 years is .

We recommend that you become familiar with your skin. Check all areas of your skin regularly (at least every three months), including skin not normally exposed to the sun. Look for new spots or changes in the shape, colour or size of any existing spots or moles. If you notice anything unusual, see your doctor. (A guide to checking your skin can be found here).

The National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia recommends that people at higher risk of skin cancer should have regular skin checks by a doctor. We therefore recommend you talk to your doctor about your skin cancer risk

Even though your risk of skin cancer is not ‘high’ compared with others of the same age and sex, this does not mean that you will not get skin cancer. To minimise your risk of developing skin cancer it is important to protect yourself from the harmful effects of sunlight. When outdoors and exposed to the sun, remember to wear sun protective clothing (including hats and sunglasses), apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed skin, and seek shade.

More information about sun protection can be found at the SunSmart website.

Note: The information provided by the tool is to be used as a general guide and not to be solely relied upon. It is highly recommended that you discuss your personal risk factors and results of this risk assessment with your doctor. If you have a specific question about technical aspects of the risk tool please contact Professor David Whiteman (email: david.whiteman@qimrberghofer.edu.au)