Is skin cancer a hereditary disease?

Yes and No: There can be a family component, which should not be taken lightly. However, sun exposure is another large risk factor for skin cancer. The two together can be dangerous. If you have a strong family history, lots of sun exposure, or any enlarging skin lesions, be evaluated by your local doctor and/or dermatologist.

No: But, some patients have a familial risk. In other words if your father, mother, brother, or sister had skin cancer - your risk may be higher. Skin cancer is related to sun exposure and things like tanning bed. Note: there are very rare familial syndromes characterized by mamy, many skin lesions that may be premalignant.

Yes: Having a family history of melanoma increases your risk for developing melanoma.

Skin : Skin cancer , particularly malignant melanoma may have a strong hereditary component. Intense sun exposure also has been linked to melanoma.