Skin Cancer, Melanoma

What Increases Your Risk

Risk factors for melanoma include:3

  • History of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
    • Sun exposure is one of the most important risk factors for melanoma. Other factors, such as family history of melanoma, put you at higher risk, but exposure to the sun is the factor you can best control. Extensive exposure to the sun can occur during childhood, in jobs that require a person to work outside, and during outdoor activities.
    • UV exposure at tanning salons may be just as risky as sunbathing.2
  • History of sunburns, especially during childhood.
  • Previous melanoma or other skin cancer.
  • Family history of melanoma or FAM-M syndrome.
  • Atypical moles (dysplastic nevi).
  • 50 or more moles at least 3 mm (0.1 in.) across.
  • White race, especially people who have fair skin that burns rather than tans, freckles, red hair, or blue eyes.
  • Impaired immune system.
  • Moles that are present at birth, especially if the moles are larger than 20 cm (7.9 in.) (giant congenital melanocytic nevus).
  • A rare inherited disease called xeroderma pigmentosum. This is a disease in which the body cannot repair damage to cells by UV radiation from the sun.
  • PUVA treatment, used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis.7

Go to previous sectionGo to previous sectionGo to top of pageGo to top of pageGo to next sectionGo to next section

Author: Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPHLast Updated: January 11, 2007
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology

© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Click here to learn about Healthwise
Click here to learn about Healthwise
Topic Contents
 Topic Overview
 Health Tools Click here to view Health Tools.
 Cause
 Symptoms
 What Happens
Arrow PointerWhat Increases Your Risk
 When To Call a Doctor
 Exams and Tests
 Treatment Overview
 Prevention
 Home Treatment
 Medications
 Surgery
 Other Treatment
 Other Places To Get Help
 Related Information
 References
 Credits