According to reports, although melanoma accounts for about 1% of all skin cancers diagnosed in the country, it causes the most skin cancer deaths. Being aware of the risk factors can help to detect symptoms of this cancer early. A few of the risk factors for melanoma that you should be aware of are discussed herein.

Sun Exposure
Exposure to the harmful ultraviolet radiation of the sun is one of the common risk factors for melanoma. Therefore, it is advisable to limit your outdoor activities between 10 am and 4 pm. Also seeking out shade at midday when the radiation from the sun is at its peak is recommended. Using sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 can also help to reduce your risk of skin cancers such as melanoma and basal and squamous cell cancers. Use sunscreen even on days when it is cloudy and in the winter and apply it at least 30 minutes before you venture out. If you are sweating or swimming, then use a water-resistant sunscreen or reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours. Children too should be protected from the sun as studies have shown that sunburns caused in childhood or adolescence can increase your risk of melanoma in later life. Protective clothing against UVA radiation is vital.

Indoor Tanning
Another one of the common risk factors for melanoma especially among young adults is the use of indoor tanning beds and lamps. This is why the use of indoor tanning equipment is strongly discouraged.

Moles
A common sign and also one of the risk factors for melanoma is large moles with irregular shape and color also known as atypical moles or dysplastic nevi. Doctors recommend that people with these types of moles undergo regular check-ups and screening to detect melanoma early.

Family History
As with some forms of cancer family history is also one of the risk factors for melanoma. According to reports, about 10% of people diagnosed with melanoma have a close family relative such as a parent or sibling with the same type of cancer. Those with a family member diagnosed with melanoma will have greater chances of developing it by 2-3 times.

Skin Complexion
It has been found that people with a fair complexion, red or blond hair, freckles, and blue eyes have a higher risk of developing melanoma. This is because they are more prone to sunburns. Therefore, Caucasians are 20 times more likely to develop melanoma than those with a darker skin tone. However, melanoma can affect a person of any race or ethnicity.

Weakened Immune System
Individuals with a compromised immune system or those on medications that suppress the immune system are at a higher risk of developing a wide range of disorders including melanoma.

Age
Your risk of developing melanoma increases with age with the average age of diagnosis in the country being 65 years. Although melanoma affects both men and women, before the age of 50, women are more prone to this condition than men.

If you are at a high risk of developing melanoma it is advisable to get regular check-ups and screenings to detect cancerous growth in the initial stages.