Skin Cancer, Melanoma

Cause

The most common causes of melanoma are¹:

• Exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
  • Blistering sunburns at any time of life
  • Intense sun exposure, every now and then
• Skin characteristics.
  • Fair skin that doesn't tan and tends to sunburn or freckle
  • Numerous moles and/or more than one atypical mole
  • A large mole you had since birth
• Eye or hair color.
  • Blue or green eyes
  • Red or blond hair
• A personal or family history of melanoma.
• Certain gene changes.
• Xeroderma pigmentosum, a skin disease.

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Author:	Bets Davis, MFA	Last Updated: December 5, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
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