Anything that puts you at a higher risk of developing melanoma could be put under the list of risk factors for melanoma. Though risk factors increase your chances of developing the said cancer, they might not be the direct cause of the disease. Many people have more than a few risk factors, but still, never develop cancer. On the other hand, there are a few people who have zero risk factors but still develop cancer. Nonetheless, the knowledge of risk factors will certainly help lower the chances. 

Common risk factors for melanoma

Sun exposure
Continuous exposure to the harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays of the sun heighten your risk of developing skin cancer. People residing in high altitudes or areas that receive bright sun all around the year also have more chances of developing skin cancer. Furthermore, those individuals who spend more time outdoors, especially during peak sun hours, also have a higher risk of developing melanoma. 

UV B and UV A exposure
Earlier experts believed that UV B caused melanoma. However, newer studies have proven that even UV A has an equal role in the development of melanoma. It could also lead to other skin cancers, such as squamous and basal skin cancer. Thus, you need to protect your skin from both UV A and UV B.  

History
Someone who has a history of melanoma or any other type of cancer is at a higher risk of developing melanoma. 

Indoor tanning
Individuals who go to tanning parlors or use sun lamps or tanning beds are at a higher risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.

Sex
Men in the country have a higher risk of developing melanoma as opposed to women. However, the risk is age-dependent, meaning that in women, the risk is before the age of 50, while it is the opposite in men’s case.  

Moles
People who have dysplastic nevi, i.e., unusual moles, atypical moles, or just many moles, are more prone to melanoma. The large moles, which have an irregular shape or color, are a common risk factor for melanoma. 

Age
Melanoma is more predominant in older people. However, younger people, too, are at equal risk. If truth be told, melanoma is one cancer, most common in people below the age of 30.  

Fair skin
People who have freckles, fair complexion, red or blonde hair, and blue eyes are more vulnerable to developing melanoma. Melanoma risk is also more in people who more commonly experience skin tanning or skin burns. 

Genes
Approximately 10% of people who develop melanoma already have it in their family. So, if your blood relative – child, sibling, or parent, has or had melanoma, you might develop the condition. In this case, your risk of developing melanoma aggravates by two to three times as opposed to the others. The risk further intensifies, if your family resides in different locations, and has yet developed melanoma. Hence, if any of your blood relatives have melanoma, you must get yourself screened regularly.