Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test 2025 - Free AOCNP Practice Questions and Study Guide

The identification of excessive sun exposure, fair skin, family history, and immunosuppression as risk factors for developing skin cancer is well-supported by research in oncology.

Excessive sun exposure is the most significant environmental risk factor for skin cancer, particularly melanoma. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations that can initiate cancerous changes. Individuals with fair skin have less melanin, which provides some natural protection against UV radiation, making them more susceptible to skin damage and subsequent cancer development.

A family history of skin cancer indicates a genetic predisposition to the disease. Certain inherited genetic mutations, such as those involved in the repair of DNA damage, can significantly increase an individual’s risk.

Immunosuppression, whether due to a medical condition (like HIV/AIDS) or medication (such as immunosuppressants for transplant patients), compromises the body’s ability to detect and destroy abnormal cells, thereby increasing the risk for various malignancies, including skin cancer.

Other options presented do not align with the established risk factors for skin cancer. For instance, smoking and high blood pressure, while serious health risks, are not directly associated with an increased risk of skin cancers. Similarly, obesity and diabetes have a