Is melanoma hereditary? how?

Melanoma: I know of no genetic predisposition to melanoma. But behavioral link sun damage.

Yes it can be: http://www.cancer.net/all-about-cancer/genetics/genetics-melanoma if a first line family member has it (your mom or dad) then you have a two to three times higher chance than the normal population. If more than one family member has it then te risk is higher. This is worth getting genetic testing for. Read the above link which has a very good description.

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

Yes - genetics: About 10% of melanoma are familial. In addition to shared common sun exposure behavior, mutations in several tumor suppressor genes are now identified to have linked to the hereditary melanoma, notably CDKN2A gene mutation. This gene mutation is linked to early onset multiple primary melanomas in family members. It also increases pancreatic cancer risk. CDKN2A involves in cell cycle regulation.

IN A SENSE: A positive family history of melanoma is a risk factor. So is hair-blonde or red-color and eye-blue or green-color, which of course you inherit. The biggest risk factor, though, is sun exposure.