Melanoma Risk Factors

If someone you know or a family member is diagnosed with melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, you might wonder if you are at risk as well. Melanoma is when skin cells called melanocytes grow out of control and become cancerous. It is the most serious type of skin cancer because it can spread to other parts of the body, so becoming aware of the risk factors for melanoma is a great step to understanding this disease. Knowing the risk factors will also encourage you to take steps to reduce your risk.[i]

A good first step is to understand the definition of a risk factor. A risk factor is something that will increase your chance of getting a disease. It’s also important to know that just because you have a risk factor doesn’t mean that you will get that illness. Knowing your risk factors for melanoma is a good starting point for talking about your concerns with your doctor. There are several categories of risk factors for melanoma; some include things you can change, such as environmental exposure. Others, you can’t change, such as genetics and family history.[ii]

Environmental Risk Factors

The good news about environmental risk factors is that you can do something about most of them! Here are some environmental risk factors to be aware of:

  • Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure from sunlight
  • Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure from tanning booths
  • Exposure to solvents, PCBs, radiation, and vinyl chloride[iii]

Health Conditions Risk Factors

Certain health conditions are also risk factors for melanoma.  These are things to keep an eye on and to keep checking with your doctor:

  • Having many moles; while most moles are not cancerous, keeping an eye on moles is a good preventative measure
  • Having atypical moles that are bigger than normal moles or have a weird shape or color
  • Having a weakened immune system from medical treatments or other illnesses, such as having organ transplants or AIDS infections[iv]
  • Experiencing blistering sunburns during childhood[v]

Family and Genetic Risk Factors

Certain genetic and hereditary risk factors are things to consider, but you can’t do anything about them. However, just being aware of these factors can help you remain diligent in checking your skin regularly:

  • Any family history or personal history of melanoma skin cancer
  • Having certain gene changes that are associated with melanoma[vi]
  • Having dysplastic nevus (atypical mole) syndrome, which is inherited[vii]

Personal Characteristics

In addition to environmental, health, and genetic risk factors, some people are simply more prone to melanoma just based on physical characteristics. There is nothing to do about this except to stay alert and check your skin regularly if you have any of these characteristics:

  • Red or blond hair
  • Light-colored eyes such as blue or green
  • Fair skin or lighter skin color
  • Skin that gets red or burns easily
  • Skin that feels painful while in the sun
  • Skin that gets freckles easily
  • Having some large moles or lots of moles
  • Older age[viii]

While having risk factors doesn’t mean you will get melanoma, it is good to be informed so you can take preventative steps when possible. Knowing your skin is crucial for health, so do self-examinations regularly. Talk to your doctor if anything changes about your skin and have a professional skin exam regularly. Taking good care of your skin also means using sunscreen and protective clothing outdoors. The good news is that melanoma is very treatable when caught early. The best way to feel comfortable in your skin and protect it from melanoma is to take good care of it.

Placebos play an important role in clinical trials that advance research on cancer such as melanoma. When you are considering applying for clinical trials, it is crucial to understand how a placebo functions in those trials as you pursue health and wholeness.

[i] https://cancer.baptisthealth.net/miami-cancer-institute/cancer-care/adult-cancers/skin-cancers/melanoma?utm_source=google&channel=search&jobnumber=BHSF7523&serviceline=oncology&agency=hg&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0aXX8uyu8wIVuQiICR0ctgqzEAMYAiAAEgJiDvD_BwE, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/about/what-is-melanoma.html

[ii] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/what-causes.html

[iii] https://cancer.baptisthealth.net/miami-cancer-institute/cancer-care/adult-cancers/skin-cancers/melanoma?utm_source=google&channel=search&jobnumber=BHSF7523&serviceline=oncology&agency=hg&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0aXX8uyu8wIVuQiICR0ctgqzEAMYAiAAEgJiDvD_BwE

[iv] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/what-causes.html

[v] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK481857/

[vi] https://cancer.baptisthealth.net/miami-cancer-institute/cancer-care/adult-cancers/skin-cancers/melanoma?utm_source=google&channel=search&jobnumber=BHSF7523&serviceline=oncology&agency=hg&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0aXX8uyu8wIVuQiICR0ctgqzEAMYAiAAEgJiDvD_BwE

[vii] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/what-causes.html, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK481857/

[viii] https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/risk_factors.htm