People who carry a ‘silent’ red hair gene have an increased risk of developing skin cancer, experts have warned.
The Sanger Institute team have determined that around a quarter of the UK population may carry this gene – which has the same effect as two decades of sun exposure.
People with two copies of the gene will have ginger hair, freckles and pale skin, those with just one copy may not realise how at risk they are.
The gene is called MC1R, and having it increases the risk of the carrier developing malignant melanoma.
And although they are unlikely to be true redheads, the carriers will often have pale skin, freckles and be prone to sun damage.
MCR1 provides instructions for cells to produce a pigment called melanin, which is what makes skin go brown to protect it from UV damage.
But the red hair gene version of MCR1 does not often much sun protection, and the skin rarely browns.
Lead researcher Dr David Adams said: “It has been known for a while that a person with red hair has an increased likelihood of developing skin cancer, but this is the first time that the gene has been proven to be associated with skin cancers.”
Assess your skin type and risk using this list from the BBC:
Type 1 – Often burns, rarely tans. Tends to have freckles, red or fair hair, blue or green eyes
Type 2 – Usually burns, sometimes tans. Tends to have light hair, blue or brown eyes
Type 3 – Sometimes burns, usually tans. Tends to have brown hair and eyes
Type 4 – Rarely burns, often tans. Tends to have dark brown eyes and hair
Type 5 – Naturally brown skin. Often has dark brown eyes and hair
Type 6 – Naturally black-brown skin. Usually has black-brown eyes and hair
