Female gender is an independent risk factor for melanoma diagnosed under 44 years old. However after 45 years of age, there appears to be a protective role of female gender against UV-associated melanoma risk.

Where you live is also an important risk factor. The higher the Ultra-Violet Index (UVI) the greater the risk for melanoma.

So young women in sunny climates need to be especially vigilant!

Article Citation:

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
An Age-Dependent Interaction Between Sex and Geographical UV Index In Melanoma Risk
J Am Acad Dermatol 2017 Dec 01;[EPub Ahead of Print], F Liu-Smith, A Ziogas