Final answer:
Exposure to UV radiation, especially severe sunburns as a child or adolescent, is a significant risk factor for developing malignant melanoma as an adult.
Step-by-step explanation:
Exposure to UV radiation, especially severe, blistering sunburns as a child or adolescent, is one of the greatest risk factors for developing malignant melanoma as an adult. UV radiation damages the DNA of skin cells, causing them to grow out of control and form a tumor. It is estimated that about 90% of skin cancers are linked to sun exposure.