Blonds Have More Skin Cancer

By Jess Kilby,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 8, 2009 4:56 AM CDT
Blonds Have More Skin Cancer
A history of blistering sunburns during one's teenage years is one of six factors associated with a higher risk of developing skin cancer, according to a new study.   (©Ezhar/Ingmar)

Blonds and redheads are three times more likely to develop skin cancer, as are those who worked jobs outside through their teenage years, the Age reports. A new study has identified six factors that increase the likelihood of developing a melanoma, which also includes a significantly freckled upper back. For people with more than one factor, the risk is 10 times higher than for the general population.

Frequent blistering sunburns during the teenage years were also identified as a factor by the study, as was a family history of melanoma and a history of scaly patches on areas of skin exposed to the sun. The research director warned that melanomas can appear at any time.
(More skin cancer stories.)

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