Understanding the risk factors for any disease is crucial to preventing it. The risk of developing melanoma can be increased by various factors ranging from excess exposure to UV radiation to having fair skin and blond hair.

• Excessive UV Exposure
  Too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or excessive use of tanning beds are some factors that can put someone at risk for melanoma. This is why it is advised to always wear sunscreen when stepping out and to avoid going out during peak sunlight hours.

  Tanning beds emit artificial UV-A radiation, and a 75% increase in the risk of developing melanoma has been observed in those under 35 years with a history of sunbed use.
  

• Fair Skin
  People with fair skin, light eyes, and red or blond hair are at higher risk of developing melanoma.
  
• Family History

  1 in 10 people with the melanoma have a family history of the same. This could be due to shared genetic mutations, the presence of fair skin, or similar lifestyles that include a higher degree of UV exposure.

• Moles
  

  Moles are pigmented non-cancerous or benign tumours found on the skin. They are not present at the time of birth. We develop them during adolescence and adulthood. Moles by themselves are not a cause for concern, but those with many moles or atypical moles (dysplastic nevi) are at a higher risk of developing melanoma.

• Weakened Immune System
  

  People with a weakened immune system due to certain diseases, such as autoimmune disorders or due to treatment and medication for other issues, are more likely to develop melanoma and other skin cancers.