There are some features that are more common in people who develop melanoma. These features are called ”risk factors”.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will develop cancer. It can also be unclear whether a risk factor contributed to the development of the cancer in a person. However, by modifying these risk factors we can reduce the risk of developing melanoma.
The greatest risk factor for melanoma is exposure to sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet (UV) energy.
Risk factors for melanoma you can change:
- be sun smart – avoid exposure to sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet (UV) energy, particularly tanning beds.
Risk factors for melanoma you can’t change:
- fair complexion – particularly skin that burns when exposed to the sun
- increasing age – around half the people who develop melanoma are older than 50 years
- having some large moles, many small moles, or moles that look different from normal moles
- a family history of unusual moles or melanoma
- history of sunburn that cause blistering, especially in childhood
- occupational exposures to radiation and some chemicals
- a personal history of skin cancer, including melanoma.
If you have any of these risk factors or you’re worried about your risk for melanoma, yarn with your doctor, nurse, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health worker
Read more about melanoma risk factors.