Who is most at risk for melanoma?
Individuals with
Many (more than 50) ordinary moles: Having many moles increases the risk of developing melanoma. Dysplastic nevi: Dysplastic nevi are more than likely than ordinary moles to become cancerous
Fair Skin: Melanoma occurs more frequently in people who have fair skin that burns or freckles easily. These people usually have red or blond hair and blue eyes. But anyone, regardless of skin color, can develop melanoma.
Family history: The risk is greater if 1 or more of a persons close relatives have been diagnosed with melanoma.The risk can be up to 8 times greater than that of people without a family history of melanoma.
Too much exposure to Ultraviolet radiation: skin that is chronically exposed to the sun and tanning beds.
Sun burns: People who have had at least one severe sunburn as a child or teenager are at increased risk.
Age & Gender: The rate increases with age and the chance for a man to develop melanoma in his lifetime is 1 in 57. For a woman it is 1 in 81
Personal history: A person who has already had melanoma has in increased risk of developing melanoma again.
Weakened immune system: People who have been treated with medicines that suppress the immune systems, such as organ transplant patients, or by HIV are at an increased risk