Causes of melanoma

There is no single cause of melanoma, but some factors increase the risk of developing it:

exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or from artificial UV light (such as tanning beds and sun lamps)
unusual moles (called dysplastic nevi) – they may be irregular in shape or larger or darker than normal moles
lots of moles (more than 50)
light skin, eyes or hair
skin that burns or freckles easily
personal history of melanoma – a person who has had melanoma before has an increased chance of getting the disease again
family history of melanoma in one or more relative
severe sunburn during childhood

Increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the most common risk factor for melanoma. People who work, play or exercise in the sun for long periods of time are at greater risk.

Some people develop melanoma without any of these risk factors.

More information on melanoma

Last modified on: 13 December 2009