9th July 2023

Risk factors

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer arising from uncontrolled proliferation of melanocytes, which reside in the epidermis. Environmental and genetic risk factors (such as xeroderma pigmentosum) are important. Like Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC), these include UV damage, fair features, and immunosuppression. Personal history of any skin cancer, family history, >50 naevi or >5 atypical naevi (≥6mm) should also be considered.