A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of
getting a disease or condition. It is possible to develop
melanoma with or without the risk factors listed below. However,
the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of
developing melanoma. If you have a number of risk factors, ask
your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk. Risk factors
for melanoma include: The occurrence of melanoma has been linked
with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Therefore, exposing
your skin to UV rays from the sun or tanning lamps increases
your odds of developing melanoma. People who live in sunny
climates are exposed to more sunlight. People who live at high
altitudes, where the sunlight is strongest, are exposed to more
UV radiation. Blistering sunburns, even as a child, also
increase the risk of developing melanoma. Having melanoma once
increases your risk of developing it again. Having many moles or
large moles increases your risk of melanoma. Also, irregular
moles are more likely to turn