PERSONAL RISK FACTORS

A wide array of factors increase your chances of developing melanoma. These include your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, your skin type, your genetics, and your medical history.

Features that put you at risk for melanoma include:

High levels of UV sun exposure, including a history of sunburns

Lots of moles

Tanning bed use

Fair skin that burns easily

Family history of skin cancer

Personal history of skin cancer

Weakened immune system

Being aware of your risk factors and communicating them to your health care provider can help you make more informed health care decisions. Your health care provider can look at your skin at your regular visits. People at high risk for melanoma should be monitored by a dermatologist.