New study finds that moles on right arm may be able to predict cancer

Are moles a bane or a beauty mark? These dark freckles have long been the subject of controversy. Thousands of women flock to dermatologists just to remove moles for aesthetic reasons, others for health.

A recent study published in the British Journal of Dermatology suggests that doctors will be able to measure the risk of cancer just by looking at your right arm. While experts believe someone with over 100 moles on their body has a greater risk of cancer, researchers now believe the presence of 11 or more moles on your right arm can signal an increased risk of melanoma.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from abnormal moles. The risk of being diagnosed with a melanoma has known to be linked to the number of moles of the body and more than 100 suggests five times the normal risk.

Researchers had nurses count the number of moles on over 3000 twins and then a larger sample of men and woman. 17 different parts of the body were examined, including the legs, back and elbows.

The results were that the number of moles on a person’s right arm was most predictive of the total number of moles on their entire body. People with 11 or more moles on their right arm were more likely to have over 100 moles across their entire body.

While the initial study needs more investigation, the findings could help physicians to more easily identify patients with an increased risk of melanoma.

Amanda Lim

Photo: Getty Images

Read More:

Miracle Pill: A pill to replace exercise may soon exist

Bright Eyes: What should you eat for healthy eyes?

Gastrointestinal cancer: Aspirin increases life expectancy