Abstract: The present invention broadly claims a method for detecting cancer in an individual. The method comprises detecting a deletion in the nucleic acid sequence between residues 10743 and 12125 in mitochondrial DNA. The method comprises obtaining a biological sample from the individual; extracting the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from the sample; quantifying the amount of mtDNA in the sample having a deletion in the nucleic acid sequence between residues 10743 and 14125 of the mtDNA genome; and comparing the amount of mtDNA in the sample having the deletion to at least one known reference sample.

Abstract: Mitochondrial DNA deletions useful for the detection of cancers and sun exposure are provided. In particular, methods and kits for detecting mitochondrial DNA deletions for the early detection, diagnosis and progression of prostate cancer, sun exposure and non-melonoma skin cancer are provided.