What are the risk factors for developing melanoma?

Risk factors for melanoma

There are many factors that contribute to an increased risk of developing melanoma. Some of the major risk factors include:

• Family history of melanoma or suspicious moles
• White or light skinned individuals
• Patients with weakened immune systems
• Patients having more than 25 moles
• Existing moles recently changing shape or color
• History of blistering sunburns
• Excessive exposure to UV (sunlight or artificial tanning)
• Age over 50
• Men have higher rates of melanoma