Quick, pull up your sleeve.
Researchers believe the number of moles on the right arm can indicate a person’s risk of developing skin cancer or melanoma.
And the magic number is 11.
Having more than 11 moles on one arm means you have a higher-than-average risk, according to the study published in the British Journal of Dermatology.
The study examined data from more than 3,500 female twins and the results were checked against another study involving both men and women.
According to BBC News, the Kings College researchers found counting moles on the right arm – especially above the elbow – was the best indicator of the number of moles on the entire body.
Because melanoma develops from abnormal moles, the risk of being diagnosed with the cancer is linked to the number of moles a person has.
People with more than seven moles on their right arm were at risk of having more than 50 on their entire body and those with more than 11 on their arm were likely to have more than 100 moles on their body.
Having more than 100 moles on the body indicates a person is at five times the normal risk.
Lead author Simone Ribero said GPs could use the results to quickly and easily identify patients most at risk of skin cancer.
“The findings could have a significant impact for primary care, allowing GPs to more accurately estimate the total number of moles in a patient extremely quickly via an easily accessible body part,” he said.
Regardless of whether the research is taken up by doctors, we know there will be plenty of people at home checking out their arms in the mirror.
If you do find lots, don’t freak out. Just make an appointment with your doctor.
Top Comments
Seems pretty obvious that if you have more than 11 moles on one arm that you would have more than 100 on your whole body! I have 20 on my right forearm alone and certainly didn't need this research to tell me I have higher risk!
Story about right arms uses stock photos of left arms!