After carrying out a study on more than 100,000 adults, the researchers have affirmed that some citrus fruits may increase the risk of getting diagnosed with melanoma, considered to be the deadliest form of skin cancer.

The study involved more than 100,000 adults who were monitored for more than two decades. After keeping a tab on them for so long, the researchers have found that consumption of orange juice or whole grapefruit on a regular basis has been found to increase the chance of developing skin cancer.

Participants who consumed whole grapefruit at least three times every week witnessed skin cancer risk increased by 41% than those who did not consume the fruit at all.

The research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology has also stated that the researchers have not found any cause-and-effect link between skin cancer and citrus fruit consumption. Study's senior researcher Dr. Abrar Qureshi said that he is having an answer for a link between citruses and heightened risk of melanoma.

Dr. Qureshi said that the photoactive chemicals present in citrus fruits make skin more susceptible to sunburns and cancer. But if there is no overexposure to the sun then there is no need to avoid having orange juice, said the study researchers.

For now, the researchers do not have any idea as to whether or not any other citruses like lemons and limes can increase skin cancer risk in summers. Marianne Berwick, a melanoma expert from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, said that people should not remove citruses from their diets as they are also important for body.