Mole gene ups cancer risk

TWO genes which regulate the appearance of moles can double the risk of skin cancer, new research has shown.

Scientists identified the genes after scouring the genetic codes of more than 1,500 adult female twins in the UK.

Single-letter variations in the code associated with high mole counts were found in two genes linked to melanoma skin cancer. Having two copies of the same two genes can double the chances of developing melanoma.

The study confirms a direct genetic link between moles and skin cancer. It was known that having a lot of moles is a major risk factor for the disease.

The findings, reported in the journal Nature Genetics, emerged from work carried out at the Department of Twin Research at King's College London.