Melanoma Risk Factors
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Understanding Melanoma Risk Factors
Melanoma is the least common type of skin cancer, but also the most serious if left untreated. The other more common types of skin cancer, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, are often referred to as non-melanoma skin cancer.
As with other types of cancer, there are certain factors that may increase the likelihood of developing the disease. By controlling some of these factors, you may be able to minimize your risk of developing melanoma. Although not all melanomas can be prevented, it is possible to do things that make early detection possible. And the prognosis (outlook) is typically much better when melanoma is found early on.
Risk Factors for Melanoma
Common risk factors for melanoma include:
- UV light - Exposure to natural sources (sunlight) and unnatural sources (like tanning booths) of UV light contribute to an increased risk of developing melanoma. A history of sunburns, particularly during childhood, or excessive exposure to sunlight may increase a person's likelihood of developing some form of skin cancer, including melanoma, during their lifetime.
- Fair skin - The pigment melanin protects the skin from the damaging effects of UV light. Less melanin also means less protection from the damaging UV rays. The American Cancer Society reports that Caucasians are at 10 times higher risk for developing melanoma compared to non-whites.
- Moles - It is normal to have moles, however, having many moles (over 50) may increase the risk of one of those moles becoming cancerous. All moles are forms of benign (not cancerous) skin growths (tumors). The likelihood of a mole developing into cancer is quite low.
- Family history - Approximately 10 percent of melanomas occur in people with a close relative who has also had the disease. Individuals who have had melanoma may also be at an increased risk for developing the disease again.
- Inherited conditions - People with xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) are at a greater risk. Although most melanomas are not related to genetic mutations, XP is a rare, inherited condition that affects the skin's ability to repair UV damage.
- Weakened immune system - Conditions that weaken the immune system may increase the risk of melanoma. Organ transplant patients who have undergone immunosupression therapy may also be at an increased risk.
Long-term exposure to natural sunlight increases the risk of developing melanoma over a lifetime. So it's not surprising that melanoma is usually found in older people. While the risk of developing melanoma increases with age, young people in their 20's can still get the disease.
Melanoma Prevention
Managing your exposure to sunlight and artificial UV sources, like tanning beds, could minimize your risk for melanoma. Limiting time spent in the direct sun or, if you are outside, covering exposed skin and using sunscreen may help to minimize UV damage.
Although some melanomas cannot be prevented, it is possible to lower your risk for developing the disease. Checking for irregular moles or skin discolorations on a regular basis may help catch melanoma early on when it is more easily treatable.
NOTE: Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer. Not having risk factors doesn’t mean that you will not get cancer. If you think you may be at risk, you should discuss it with your doctor.
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