Genetics & melanoma

A small number of families have a greater risk of melanoma because they've inherited a change in a specific gene. You may benefit from contacting a family cancer centre if you have a personal history of:

• melanoma at an early age (average age of familial melanoma is 33 years)
• more than one primary melanoma
• a large number of moles (more than 10 on the arms and 200 on the body)
• multiple atypical moles; moles that have an irregular border, slight variation in colour, or asymmetry
• melanoma on areas of the body that have not been exposed to the sun

Or a family history of:

• multiple cases of melanoma on the same side of the family
• melanoma occurring at an early age
• ocular (eye) melanoma
• pancreatic or breast cancer in more than 1 family member
• several relatives who have the same type of cancer

More information

Call the Cancer Council Victoria’s Cancer Helpline on 13 11 20. If you're worried about your risk of melanoma based on your family history contact your doctor or nearest family cancer centre.

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