Melanoma is an uncommon skin cancer that occurs when melanocytes begin to multiply uncontrollably. About 90,000 Americans are diagnosed with melanoma each year, and when or how the condition happens cannot be predicted. So, understanding the risk factors can help one be proactive and take precautionary measures to lower the risk. Certain risk factors for melanoma are out of our control, while some are caused due to reversible circumstances. Here’s a list of the factors that elevate the risk:

Excessive UV exposure
The main source of Ultraviolet (UV) rays are the sun rays, so people who’re out in the sun for prolonged periods are more susceptible to melanoma. Other sources of UV rays are tanning beds and sun lamps, which expose the skin to sunburns. Excessive UV light is a risk factor for melanoma because it destroys the genes inside the skin cells, which leads to melanoma or other forms of skin cancer.

Weak immune system
If an individual’s immune system is strong, their body can ward off diseases, including cancer. However, a weak immune system due to the presence of certain diseases or undergoing medical treatments like chemotherapy and immunosuppressive therapy exposes them to a higher risk of developing melanoma. So, it’s advisable to boost immunity to prevent viruses from entering the body.

Moles
Some moles that begin to appear in children and young adults are usually harmless. That said, one is at a higher risk of getting melanoma if they have had too many moles since childhood. To differentiate between non-cancerous and cancerous moles, one can look for dysplastic nevi moles, which are slightly larger than a pencil eraser and have multiple colors and uneven borders.

Light skin
One’s skin type can determine their risk of developing melanoma. People with very light or fair skin, especially white skin with red or blond hair and blue or green eyes, are more susceptible to this condition. If one has too many freckles or if their skin easily burns, they should keep an eye out for other risk factors for melanoma. African-Americans are less likely to be affected by melanoma than whites.

Family history
If an individual’s first-degree blood relatives like parents, brothers, sisters, or children have had melanoma, they may develop it too. This may be because of similar traits like light skin, gene mutations, lifestyle habits like excessive sun exposure, or a combination of multiple factors. Usually, doctors recommend getting a patient’s close relatives examined if they are diagnosed with melanoma.

Inherited disorders
Certain hereditary conditions put an individual at a higher risk of developing melanoma. Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) is one such condition that destroys the skin cells’ ability to heal from damage to their DNA. Another disorder is called Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome, where a person with hereditary risk factors for melanoma has multiple atypical moles on the body.