Melanoma Patients Australia - Lifestyle and Risk Reduction

Risk Factors

There is no one causal factor for developing melanoma. Factors that are associated with a higher risk of developing melanoma include:

Appearance – including fair skin that burns or freckles easily, blue or green eyes, and blonde or red hair.
Sunlight exposure – exposure to sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet (UV) energy (eg. tanning beds).
History of sunburns—history of sunburns that caused blistering, especially in childhood.
Many moles – having many moles, both normal and atypical.
Close to the equator –living closer to the equator or at a higher elevation.
Personal and/or family history – personal and/or family history of skin cancer, including melanoma.
Gender – in Australia and New Zealand, melanoma is more common in men than in women.
Age—risk increasing with age.
Weakened immune system– from disease or side effects of medicines.

Level 8, East Wing
Wesley Research Institute
451 Coronation Dve, Auchenflower QLD 4066

Phone

PO Box 1771
Toowong BC QLD 4066

Risk Factors