Melanoma Risk Factors

Exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun is the most important fact in determining a person’s risk of skin cancer. Past sunburns, sun exposure at young ages, genetics and immune system deficiencies may also play a part.

Generally people with the following characteristics have the highest risk for melanoma:

• Fair complexions that burn or blister easily
• Blond or red hair
• Blue, green or gray eyes
• Excessive sun exposure during childhood and teen years, blistering and sunburns before age 18
• Family history of melanoma
• More than 100 moles; 50 if you are under age 20

The following quiz can more specifically help you determine your risk for developing skin cancer.

After you add up your total points, match your score with those noted below to find your risk level:

Hair Color:
Blond/red =4
Brown = 3
Black = 1

Eye Color:
Blue/green = 4
Hazel = 3
Brown = 2

When exposed to one hour of summer sun, you:
Burn, and sometimes blister = 4
Burn, then tan = 3
Tan = 1

Where is your job? :
Outdoors = 4
Mixed = 3
Indoors = 2

Do you have freckles? :
Many = 5
Some = 3
None = 1

Has anyone in your family had skin cancer? :
Yes = 5
No = 1

Where in the U.S. did you live most before the age of 18? :
South = 4
Midwest = 3
North = 2

Risk Levels:
10 - 15 Below average risk
16 - 22 Average risk
23 - 25 High risk
26 - 30 Very high risk