Australian scientists revealed on Monday they had discovered two new genes when combined double a person's risk of developing melanoma.

An international research project conducted by the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) studied the genes of almost 6,000 people together with their mole count.

Nick Hayward from QIMR said his team discovered two genes that increased melanoma risk by influencing the number of moles a person has.

In a follow-up study of a further 4,000 people, the researchers went on to show the same two genes also increased the risk of moles developing into melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer.

"It has long been known that having a large number of moles is the biggest risk factor," Hayward said.

"We now have conclusive genetic evidence that having a large number of moles increases an individual's risk of developing melanoma."

He said the research would help develop screening techniques and ultimately allow scientists to develop new therapies.

"This finding improves our understanding of the genetics of melanoma and therefore the molecular pathways that lead to its development."

Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world, with more than 10,000 new cases and 1,000 people dying from the disease every year.

Source: Xinhua