Skin cancer risk linked to genes and lifestyle

A Leeds University team has found that skin cancer risks can be partly attributed to genes and partly to behaviour.

Doctors know melanoma risks are directly linked to the number of moles on anyone's skin. Now, Professor Julia Newton-Bishop and her team have advised everyone to be more aware.

The researchers studied the genetic make-up of about 1,500 men and women with varying numbers of moles. They also asked those taking part in the study how often they exposed their skin to the sun.

The scientists found that those with certain genes on chromosomes 9 and 22 were more likely to have many moles and that these moles tended to be bigger.

But simultaneously, people with histories of getting sunburn and who each exposed their skin to the sun on holidays rather than moderately throughout the year were also more likely to have more moles.

Both men and women who said they spent a lot of time outdoors and often with bare arms and legs to the elements regularly – but without burning – were less likely to have more moles.

Taken together, the findings suggest that those who already have lots of moles – because of their genes – should be particularly careful not to burn .

The dermatology professor said: "Like many illnesses, the reason we get skin cancer is partly due to our genes and partly due to our lifestyle or environment. What we want is for individuals to understand their own level of risk so they can modify their behaviour accordingly. This is all about knowing your own skin.

"It is no coincidence that women tend to have most moles on their lower legs. That's because at the first sign of sun, the first thing many women do is try and brown that bit of their legs that is visible below the hemline as quickly as possible. This type of intense, rapid exposure is exactly what increases the risk."