A simple five-point self-assessment tool created by Australian researchers at Syndey school of public health can be used to accurately predict an individual’s risk of melanoma.
- Hair colour
- Nevus density
- Family history of melanoma
- Previous non-melanoma skin cancer
- Sunbed use.
The self-assessment tool can identify high risk patients who should be offered regular skin checks, according to Professor Jon Emery, head of the department of general practice at the University of Melbourne.
The strongest risk factors were red hair (fourfold increased risk), high mole count (fivefold higher risk), personal history of non-melanoma skin cancer (threefold higher risk), first-degree relative with melanoma (twofold higher risk) and more than 10 sunbed sessions (1.6-fold higher risk).
