Melanoma Risk Factors
The most common risk
factors of melanoma include:
- Sun-burn - sunburn is a major risk factor for melanoma. The
risk is even higher if you have had sunburns during childhood. In addition, use of ultraviolet cabin can also increase the risk of having
melanoma.
- Excessive sun exposure - studies have shown a connection between prolonged
and repeated sun exposure and the occurrence of melanoma. The sun contains ultraviolet (UV) A and B,
prolonged and repeated exposure to these rays tends to cause chemical changes in the DNA of the skin cells.
Persistent changes can cause an uncontrolled proliferation of melanocytes (melanoma). This risk is even
higher if you have fair skin or if the exposure is associated with repeated sunburns.
- Family history of melanoma - if you have family members suffering from
melanoma, your risk increases. It is estimated that nearly 10% of melanomas are attributed to genetic
predisposition.
- Fair skin – you are at higher risk of melanoma if you have
fair skin, blond or red hair and light-colored eyes.
- Mole – having large moles (over 6 mm) in great quantity
is at increased risk of developing melanoma.
- Genetic disorder - if you have xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), any less
intense sun exposure can lead to skin malignancies: basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, etc.
- Exposure to carcinogens - your risk of having melanoma is higher if you are
continuously exposed to these chemicals:
a) cola tar
b) creosote, a wood preservative
c) malnutrition Arsenic compounds
in pesticides and radium.
Weakened immune system - having a weakened immune system is an open door for all
cancers including melanoma. The conditions that can weaken your immune system include:
a) stress
b) VIH / sida
c) malnutrition
d) chronic Leukemia
e)
cancer or/and treatment
f)
Taking
immunosuppressive drugs after an organ transplant.
Melanoma Causes
Melanoma
Symptoms
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