Skin cancer risk may vary according to sexual orientation and gender identity, two new studies suggest.

An analysis of survey data from more than 800,000 U.S. adults found skin cancer may be more common among gay and bisexual men and people who are gender non-conforming, researchers report in JAMA Dermatology.

"We need to understand what is driving (this increased risk), why these groups are more susceptible and what could be done to reduce the risk," said Dr. Arash Mostaghimi, director of dermatology inpatient consultation at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

Other studies have shown that gay and bisexual men have higher rates of tanning salon use, Mostaghimi said. But there are other possible causes for higher rates of skin cancer in these groups, he added.

"There might be a biological reason, or there might be differential exposures" such as to human papillomavirus (HPV), Mostaghimi said. "HPV is thought to be linked to squamous cell cancer in certain populations."

Both of the new papers were written by Mostaghimi and his colleagues: one focused on skin cancer and sexual orientation, the other on skin cancer and gender identity. Read more via NBC/Reuters