As the new year starts and for those in the northern hemispheres the days are short and cold thoughts tend to turn to planning summer holidays and escaping to a sunnier climes.

We all know the risks of sunbathing and skin cancer but did you know that women with endometriosis have a 60% higher chance of developing a melanoma?

These findings were the outcome of a study that analysed a cohort of nearly 92,000 French women, aged between 40 to 65 at the start of the study.

The women,filled out a questionnaire at the start of the study and were sent follow-up questionnaires every two years.

During the following 12 years, 363 melanoma cases were reported. 5949 women with a history of endometriosis had significantly higher risk of melanoma.

One hypothesis for the connection between endometriosis and an increased risk of melanoma is that they have a genetic relationship. Endometriosis is associated with an imbalance in some tumor suppressor genes that are also involved in melanoma.

To read more about the study’s findings please click here.

If you’re worried about developing a melanoma then please speak to your doctor.