Sept. 20-21: "Savageman" Triathlon Festival in Deep Creek Lake, MDPrevention/Risk Factors of Melanoma
A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Here are factors that may put you at higher risk of having melanoma or skin cancer:
- A family history of melanoma;
- Fair skin, red or blond hair;
- Light-colored eyes;
- Sunburns easily;
- Numerous of moles, freckles or birthmarks;
- Frequent time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. without skin protection;
- One or more severe blistering sunburns as a child or teenager; and,
- Tanning in the sun or in a tanning bed.
Check your skin yourself every month for signs of skin cancer. If you see an area on your skin that looks unusual, follow up with your doctor.
