A Family History of Skin Cancer Can Be Very Important

A family history of skin cancer can be a crucial factor in identifying your own risk of developing this potentially life-threatening disease, according to Dr Terry Harvey.

In this short video, Dr Harvey explains how a family history of skin cancer affects your chances of developing skin cancer, conversely, how your own diagnosis might influence your family’s risk too.

Watch the full video now:

Understanding Family History and Skin Cancer Risk

If someone in your immediate family,  such as a parent, sibling or child, has been diagnosed with skin cancer, it’s important to be proactive about your own skin health.

Certain genetic traits can increase your risk of developing both non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers, especially if a family member was diagnosed at a younger age.

Dr Harvey explains that not all melanoma diagnoses in the family carry the same significance.

“Your family member’s age at diagnosis plays a part in the genetic risk they pass to you,” says Dr Harvey.

This means that if a relative was diagnosed before age 40, your inherited risk may be higher, making regular skin checks even more important.

Learn more about inherited melanoma risk.

Why It’s Worth Having the Conversation

“With a family history of skin cancer, it’s worthwhile to come in and have that conversation, because that’s one of the things we look out for,” says Dr Harvey.

Having this conversation early can help your doctor understand your background and tailor your skin plan. Even if you haven’t noticed any new or changing spots, your family history alone may mean you should start getting checked more frequently.

When to Book a Skin Check

If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with skin cancer, it’s recommended to have routine skin checks. Early detection remains the best defence, melanoma can be successfully treated when found early.

Book an appointment with your doctor today to discuss your family history and develop a personalised plan.