The chance of getting melanoma varies a lot by skin color, sun exposure, and family history. In the U.S., the American Cancer Society estimates the lifetime risk is about 3% for White people, 0.1% for Black people, and 0.5% for Hispanic people.

What raises risk

  • More UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds increases risk.
  • Fair skin, light eyes, and blond or red hair increase risk.
  • Having many moles, unusual moles, or a family history of melanoma also raises risk.
  • Older age is a factor; melanoma is diagnosed most often in older adults.

What that means

For many people, the absolute risk is still fairly low, but it is not uniform across everyone. People with lighter skin and heavy UV exposure face a much higher chance than people with darker skin, though anyone can get melanoma.

How to lower risk

  • Avoid tanning beds.
  • Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
  • Wear hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing.
  • Stay in the shade and limit strong midday sun.

When to get checked

Any new, changing, bleeding, or unusually shaped mole should be checked by a clinician, especially if you have risk factors. Melanoma is much more treatable when found early.

For most people, the question is less “Will I get melanoma?” and more “How much can I lower my personal risk?”
Would you like a simple checklist to estimate your personal melanoma risk?