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People can carry a "silent" red hair gene that raises their risk of sun-related skin cancer, experts warn. The gene' s effect is comparable to two decades of sun exposure in terms of cancerous changes. While people with two copies of the gene will have ginger hair, freckles and pale skin and probably know to take extra care in the sun, those with one copy may not realize they are at risk. Many USA adults and children have one version of the gene called MC1R which increases their risk of malignant melanoma. These carriers may not always look like "easy burners", say the researchers - but they are.