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10 February, 2010

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Skin cancer risk - quiz

Check your skin cancer risk with our quick health quiz. Skin type, sun exposure and family history all affect your skin cancer risk, but there are many tips to prevent skin cancer.

1. What’s your skin type?
A. Dark.
B. Olive.
C. Fair

2. Do you have freckly skin?
A. No, not really.
B. A little, there are a few freckles and moles here and there.
C. Yes, I have plenty of freckles and moles.

3. How often are you outdoors?
A. All the time - my occupation (for example, roof tiler or landscape gardener) keeps me outside at least eight hours every day.
B. Whenever the sun is shining - I like to garden, go to the beach or play outdoor sports, weather permitting.
C. Not very often, I prefer indoor activities or I sit in the shade when outside.

4. Do you regularly apply SPF 30+ sunscreen when outdoors on sunny days?
A. I apply sunscreen to my face and other exposed skin areas every day, or on most days.
B. No, either I can’t be bothered or I like the look of tanned skin.
C. Only for specific ‘outdoor’ activities, such as swimming or gardening.

5. Do you wear a hat when outdoors on sunny days?
A. No, I don’t wear hats at all.
B. Yes, I wear a hat most of the time.
C. Only for specific 'outdoor' activities, such as gardening.

6. Do you wear sunglasses when outdoors on sunny days?
A. No, or hardly ever.
B. Only if I’m squinting.
C. Yes, every time I go outside.

7. How often would you get severely sunburnt during an average summer?
A. Never, or very rarely.
B. At least once.
C. Multiple times.

8. Do you use solariums?
A. Occasionally, for example, to work up a bit of a tan before a special summer holiday.
B. No.
C. All the time, because I look healthy and attractive with tanned skin.

Your score is:

Score 8 to 12: Your lifestyle choices are putting you at serious risk. Each year about 270,000 Australians have a skin cancer removed. Skin cancer is a preventable disease that kills about 1,600 Australians every year. Make some 'sunsmart' changes and talk about your moles and freckles the next time you visit your doctor.

Score 13 to 18: Some of your lifestyle habits are putting you at increased risk of skin cancer. Making a few simple changes (such as using sunscreen) could save your life. Browse through the Better Health Channel articles on skin cancer for ideas on protecting yourself from UV radiation.

Score 19 to 24:
Congratulations, your lifestyle choices are reducing your risk of skin cancer. Remember, anyone can develop skin cancer, so see your doctor or dermatologist if you have a new spot, or a mole that bleeds or changes shape or colour.

Check the best answers. You might also be interested in:
Skin cancer - children.
Skin cancer - prevention and early detection.
Skin cancer - protecting outdoor workers.
Skin cancer - risk factors.
Skin care - tanning.
Solariums (sunbeds and tanning beds).
Sun protection in the snow.

Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.

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This page has been produced in consultation with, and approved by:

Cancer Council Victoria

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Last updated: September 2008

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