Risk Factors:  Melanoma
Anyone can develop melanoma; however, the following increases one’s risk of developing this cancer:

bullet History of overexposure to the sun
 
bullet History of sunburns, especially ones that blistered
 
bullet Fair-skin
 
bullet Sun sensitivity
 
bullet Tan poorly, burn easily or tendency to freckle
 
bullet Family history of melanoma
 
bullet Moles on your skin
 
bullet 50-plus moles
 
bullet Unusual or irregular-looking mole
 
bullet Have had melanoma
 
bullet Weakened immune system; conditions that weaken the immune system include lymphoma, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and long-term treatment with medications used to prevent organ rejection
 
bullet Xeroderma pigmentosum, a rare inherited condition that makes one less able to repair damage caused by sunlight
 

All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology

Excessive exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun is the most important and preventable cause of melanoma.

American Academy of Dermatology

 
 

 
 

 
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