Risk Factors
A risk factor is a characteristic, behavior, or condition that increases the possibility of developing a disease. The most common environmental risk factor for melanoma and other skin cancers is exposure to UV radiation; this is the only risk factor over which we have any control. The remaining risk factors are generally genetic. Here are some of the major risk factors for melanoma:
Genetic Risk Factors
Fair complexion
People with pale skin, blue eyes, blonde or red hair, and a lot of freckles tend to burn more easily and are at an increased risk for melanoma.
Age and Gender
Although older people are most likely to develop melanoma, but people younger than 30 can also develop this cancer. Melanoma is more common in women before the age of 40 and more common in men after the age of 40.
Personal history
People who have had melanoma or another type of skin cancer have a higher chance of developing melanoma.
Family History
Having two or more close relatives who have had melanoma puts you at an increased risk for the disease.
Moles (nevi)
A mole (nevus) is a benign skin tumor that forms in the melanocytes. People with a lot of moles (i.e. more than 50) are at an increased risk for melanoma.
Atypical mole and melanoma syndrome (AMS)
A dysplastic nevus is a mole that looks different than most moles (i.e. size, shape, color, texture) and is more likely to turn into cancer. People with AMS have a large number of dysplastic nevi and are at an increased risk for melanoma.
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Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP)
XP is an inherited condition in which an enzyme that repairs DNA does not work properly. People with this condition are unable to repair the DNA damage caused by UV radiation and are at a high risk for developing melanoma.
Environmental Risk Factors
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds can damage the DNA of your skin cells and cause them to become malignant. You are at an increased risk for melanoma if you have a history of bad sunburns or if you frequently go tanning.
Immune system suppression
People who take medication that suppresses the immune system are at a greater risk for developing melanoma. This may include people who take medication to prevent rejection of an organ transplant.
