Melanoma/Skin Cancer Health Center
Select a topic to explore more.
What Increases Your Risk
Risk factors for melanoma include:4
- Exposure to
ultraviolet radiation.
- Blistering sunburns at any time of life
- Intense sun exposure, every now and then
- Skin characteristics.
- Fair skin that doesn't tan and tends to sunburn or freckle
- Numerous moles and/or more than one atypical mole
- A large mole you had since birth
- Eye or hair color.
- Blue or green eyes
- Red or blond hair
- A personal or family history of melanoma.
- Certain gene changes.
- Xeroderma pigmentosum, a skin disease.
Treatment with the combination of a psoralen and UVA light (PUVA) may raise the risk of melanoma.1 PUVA is used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
December 05, 2008
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
information.
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
