'This finding improves our understanding of the genetics of melanoma and therefore the molecular pathways that lead to its development. It has long been known that having a large number of moles is the biggest risk factor,' he added.

'Therefore we predicted we would find genes linking moles and melanoma. We now have conclusive genetic evidence that having a large number of moles increases an individual's risk of developing melanoma,' said Hayward.

The study found that people who carry one of these two gene variants have a 25 percent increased chance of developing melanoma, while for individuals carrying both variants their risk is doubled, said a QIMR release.