Causes of melanoma
Most experts agree that a major risk factor for melanoma is overexposure to sunlight, especially sunburns when you are young. Statistics tell us that 86% of melanomas are caused by solar ultraviolet (UV) rays. How does the sun cause skin cancer? UV exposure can cause damage to a cell’s DNA, making changes to particular genes that affect how cells grow and divide. The potential for problems comes when your skin's DNA is damaged and those cells start reproducing. UV radiation from tanning beds also increases the risk of melanoma and has been designated as a carcinogen (cancer-causing) by the World Health Organization. Tanning bed use may be related to over over 6,000 cases of melanoma per year in the United States. Although anyone can develop melanoma, an increased risk for developing the disease is seen in people with: A personal history of melanoma. A family history of melanoma. Fair skin, freckles, blond or red hair and blue eyes. Excess sun exposure, including blistering sunburns. An address near the equator or in high elevations — living in these locations may increase your UV exposure. A history of tanning bed use. Many moles, especially atypical moles. A weakened immune system. Melanoma is more common in white people, but it can occur in people of all skin types. People with darker skin most often get melanoma on their palms, soles and nails.