Melanoma is a type of skin cancer caused primarily by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, which comes from the sun and is also used in sunbeds
. UV light can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to the development of cancerous cells
. Factors that contribute to the development of melanoma include:
- Pale skin that burns easily in the sun
- Red or blonde hair
- Blue or green eyes
- A large number of freckles or moles
- Extensive sun exposure and frequent sunburns
- Use of sunbeds
Additionally, certain gene changes or mutations can increase the risk of melanoma, such as those in the C-KIT, CDKN2A, CDK4, or BAP1 genes
. In some cases, melanoma may be inherited from a parent
. To lower the chance of getting melanoma, it is recommended to stay safe in the sun by wearing sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, using sun-protective clothing, and avoiding excessive sun exposure during the hottest part of the day
