Hidden Red Hair Gene May Increase Risk Of Skin Cancer

BOSTON (CBS) - We know that redheads are at greater risk of skin cancer but could people with brown or blond hair be at just as high a risk?

Only 1% to 2% of the world's population has red hair but they make up 16% of patients with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

To have red hair, you generally need two copies of a so-called red hair gene, which also cause freckles and paler skin.

Now researchers have found that even if you don't have red hair, carrying one red hair gene increases the number of mutations in skin tumors and raises your risk of skin cancer.

That means some brunettes and blondes may also be at higher risk and not even know it.