Genetics & melanoma

Who is at risk of melanoma?

What you can do

For more information

Who is at risk of melanoma?

Less than 5% of all melanoma can be explained by an inherited gene. Risk factors may include:

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
exposure to UV radiation

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 cancer in more than one family member

What you can do

Early detection

The earlier a melanoma is found the more successful treatment is likely to be. We recommend:

Be aware of changes in moles such as:

area
border irregularity
colour
diameter

Sun protection such as:

use of sun protective clothing and hats
use of 30+ or stronger sunscreens
avoidance of peak ultraviolet (UV) conditions

People with a family history:

Those concerned about their family history can talk to their doctor. It may be appropriate for people with a strong family history to be referred to a Family Cancer Centre. Here, their risk of getting melanoma, based on their family history, can be worked out and talked about in more detail.