The exact causes of melanoma have yet to be determined, although doctors and scientists are working together to get to the origin of why this type of skin cancer forms. However, there are a few things that are understood about melanoma, including certain factors that can increase your risk for developing this type of serious skin cancer. In order to educate yourself about your risk for acquiring melanoma, it is important to understand what factors may influence the cancer.

Risk Factors

Scientists do know that melanoma, like other forms of cancer, is not contagious. There is also evidence that the cancer runs in families, as people with a family history of the disease are more likely to develop melanoma. Over 10 percent of people who have been diagnosed with melanoma have had a close family member previously diagnosed with the disease.

People who have had a previous melanoma are also at a much higher risk for developing the cancer. Although many melanoma cancers can be cured, the disease can still return in a different area. People who have dysplatic nevi, or moles that may meet the risk factors for ABCD –asymmetry, borders, coloring, and diameter—may be at a great risk for developing a melanoma. The same goes for people who have many moles on their bodies, meaning they have 50 or more moles.

Also, since sun exposure has been such a prominent factor in the development of skin cancer, people who have suffered from a severe sun burn at some point in their lives can be at a great risk for acquiring a melanoma. This includes a blistering sun burn as a result of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The same risk factor can be said for people who have light skin and eyes, such as a blond-haired, blue-eyed person, or a red-headed person. People who have a multitude of freckles on their bodies are also more likely to develop melanoma cancer.

You can discuss these factors with your doctor to determine if you are at a greater risk for developing melanoma. If so, your doctor may give you certain recommendations, such as skin self examinations, to consider to better your chances of catching the cancer early should you develop it.