Melanoma risk factors

Below is a list of risk factors for malignant melanoma patients:

 

  • Many common and/or clinically atypical melanocytic nevi

  • Large congenital melanocytic nevi

  • History of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer

  • Family history of large numbers of melanocytic or atypical nevi and/or melanoma

  • Severe, painful and blistering sunburns, particularly in childhood

  • Intensive sun exposure

  • Inability to tan or skin phototypes I & II

  • Red or blonde hair, light eye colour, tendency to freckle

  • Immunosuppression

  • Use of sunbeds and sunlamps

  • Prior photochemotherapy (PUVA) as medical treatment

  • Increasing age