Melanoma Risk Factors and Associations

The primary risk factor for melanoma remains UV radiation exposure, which accounts for approximately 65-90% of cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as reported in MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1
Severe blistering sunburns in childhood/adolescence doubles melanoma risk, as stated by the MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1
Fair skin that burns easily, red/blond hair, and freckling are associated with an increased risk of melanoma, as noted by the Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines 2
Large numbers of atypical moles are a risk factor for melanoma, as reported in MMWR Recommendations and Reports 3

Agent Orange and Melanoma

The evidence does not support a causal relationship between Agent Orange (dioxin) exposure and melanoma development, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stating that UV radiation exposure remains the primary risk factor, as reported in MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1 and Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines 2