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CancerQuest > Introduction to Patient Information > Introduction to Cancer by Type > Introduction to Skin Cancer > Skin Cancer: Risk Factors for Melanoma

Skin Cancer: Risk Factors for Melanoma

Risk factors specific to melanoma:

• Sun Burn
• Prior Diagnosis⁽¹⁾
• Family History ⁽²⁾
• Melanocytic Nevi ⁽²⁾

Watch the video below to learn about some great skin cancer prevention tips. Watch the full interview with Dr. Suephy Chen.

Sun exposure:
Sun exposure increases one's risk of skin cancer. Individuals are inevitably exposed to sunlight, or ultraviolet radiation, during their daily activities. However, certain outdoor behaviors elevate an individual's likelihood of developing cancer. Infrequent, but intense exposure to sunlight during childhood increases one's risk of developing melanoma. ⁽¹⁾ Melanoma is often observed on areas of the body that receive infrequent, but intense sun exposure such as the neck and the back of the legs. ⁽³⁾

Also, it is important to note that cutaneous melanoma may occur in regions of the body typically shielded from sunlight such as the groin and bottom of the feet.

Family History
Individuals who have first degree relatives, including parents, siblings or children, diagnosed with melanoma have an 8 to 12 fold increased chance of developing melanoma. ⁽²⁾ This increased risk is likely due to a biological predisposition to cancer development.

Melanocytic Nevi
The medical term for a marking on the skin, such as a mole or birthmark, is "nevus" (plural-nevi). Most melanocytic nevi develop during childhood and adolescence as a result of sun burn and sun exposure. The presence of melanocytic nevi is associated with an increased risk of developing melanoma.⁽²⁾

References for this page:

1. Miller AJ, Mihm MC Jr. "Melanoma." New England Journal of Medicine. 2006 Jul 6;355(1):51-65. [PUBMED]
2. Rager EL, Bridgeford EP, Ollila DW. "Cutaneous melanoma: update on prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment." American Family Physician. 2005 Jul 15;72(2):269-76. [PUBMED]
3. Perlis C, Herlyn M. "Recent advances in melanoma biology". Oncologist. 2004; 9(2: 182-7. [PUBMED]