Study Reports Significant Drop in Children's Mole Counts

A long-running Australian study has found that the number of moles on children's bodies has nearly halved over a 25-year period. This reduction suggests a potential significant decrease in their future melanoma risk.

Scientists at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute tracked mole development in nearly 4,000 children, primarily twins aged 12 or 13 and their siblings, in sun-exposed south-east Queensland between 1992 and 2016. The average mole count observed plummeted from 87 in 1992 to 46 in 2016, representing a 47% reduction. The findings were published in the British Journal of Dermatology.

Reduced Sun Exposure Cited as Primary Factor

Mole count is a strong predictor of lifetime melanoma risk, particularly in pale-skinned populations exposed to high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Researchers believe the most likely reason for this substantial drop in average mole counts is reduced sun exposure among children before the age of 12. This aligns with the effectiveness of public health initiatives like Australia's "Slip, Slop, Slap" campaigns and other sun-prevention measures.

The study estimates that an approximate 11% fall in sun exposure over 25 years could account for the observed reduction in mole numbers. Geneticist Nick Martin, who led the study, noted that changes in population ethnicity and skin colour did not explain the decrease.

Projected Decrease in Melanoma Risk and Ongoing Protection

Researchers speculate that the fall in average mole counts should lead to a fourfold drop in lifetime melanoma risk for individuals born this century compared to those born in the 1980s. Professor Martin highlighted the research as the world's longest-running twin study examining mole counts.

Skin cancer expert Rachel Neale, also from QIMR Berghofer, acknowledged the findings but emphasized the continued necessity for Australians to protect themselves from the sun throughout their lives. She stressed that sun protection extends beyond sunscreen, advocating for hats, protective clothing, and using sunscreen as a supplementary measure for exposed skin.

Melanoma Institute of Australia epidemiologist Anne Cust praised the research, recognizing its importance given Queensland's high rates of melanoma. Cust noted that Australia's melanoma rates have been decreasing in people under 40, with the "Slip, Slop, Slap" campaign widely regarded as a major contributor to this trend. She reinforced the importance of maintaining consistent public health messaging.