More than a third of Kiwi’s are three times more likely to develop melanoma according to latest research.

The findings come from a trans-Tasman study, conducted by MoleMap and based on New York University Medical Centre research.

The research identified six factors that helped predict the risk of Kiwis developing Melanoma and include the following; a history of blistering sunburns as a teenager, red or blonde hair, marked freckling on the upper back – a sign of excessive sun exposure, family history of melanoma, history of scaly/crusty patches of skin on sun exposed areas and outdoor summer jobs for three or more years as a teenager.

If you’re a Kiwi with just one of these risk factors then the risk of getting a melanoma goes up to three times over the general population. People with two or more of the risk factors have up to 10 times increased likelihood of developing melanoma.

The one in five New Zealanders with at least three risk factors could be as much as 20 times more likely to develop melanoma.