Health Information
Skin Cancer, Melanoma
What Increases Your Risk
A risk factor for melanoma is something that increases your chance of getting this cancer. Having one or more of these risk factors can make it more likely that you will get melanoma. But it doesn't mean that you will definitely get it. And many people who get melanoma don't have any of these risk factors.
Risk factors for melanoma include:Reference 1
- Too much exposure to
the Reference sun's UV rays Opens New Window. This includes:
- Having had blistering sunburns at any time of life.
- Getting intense sun exposure every now and then.
- Fair skin that doesn't tan and tends to sunburn or freckle, along with blue or green eyes or red or blond hair.
- Numerous moles and/or more than one Reference atypical mole.
- A large mole you have had since birth.
- A personal or family history of melanoma.
- Changes in your genes, like the change that causes a skin disease called Reference Xeroderma pigmentosum Opens New Window.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference October 12, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Amy McMichael, MD - Dermatology |
|
© 1995-2011, 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, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
