Harvard Study: Few Moles Don't Mean Lower Skin Cancer Risk

While many moles are a known skin cancer risk factor, new Harvard research reveals that having few moles doesn't necessarily reduce your risk.

Researchers at Harvard University analyzed 566 skin cancer patients, counting total moles and identifying any atypical shapes.

Key Findings:

• 66 percent of patients had fewer than 20 moles.
• Among those over 60, only 19 percent had more than 20 moles.
• Almost three-quarters had no abnormally shaped moles.

Experts stress that moles remain a significant risk factor. Patients with atypical moles often faced more severe diagnoses. Crucially, few moles don't mean you can skip skin cancer screenings.