Eye freckles and moles point to skin cancer risk

Led by University of Queensland dermatology expert Associate Professor Rick Sturm, the researchers were able to show that the existence of pigmented lesions was an effective predictor of the risk of skin cancer.{{quote-a:r-w:350-I:2-Q: The presence of iris freckling and naevi (moles), provides additional information about an individual’s melanoma risk over and above factors like blue eyes, red hair, fair skin and the number of moles on the skin. -WHO:Associate Professor Rick Sturm, University of Queensland}}“We found the presence of three or more iris pigmented lesions was associated with a 45% increased risk of melanoma,” Dr Sturm said.“The presence of iris freckling and naevi (moles), provides additional information about an individual’s melanoma risk over and above factors like blue eyes, red hair, fair skin and the number of moles on the skin.”The study involved 1,117 participants of European background living in South-East Queensland. Co-author Dr Antonia Laino said melanoma is the most common cancer in Australians aged 15–39, and that the lesions should be used as markers for melanoma risk in younger patients.“This association was particularly strong in people under 40, suggesting a genetic susceptibility,” she said.“It’s very easy to look for iris pigmented lesions, and we hope that these findings will help doctors identify those people who may be at increased risk of melanoma and need a skin check.”The study was published in the British Journal of Dermatology.Image courtesy: Flickr | Mark Ou