Abstract: A method of determining predisposition to melanoma is provided in the form of a molecular diagnostic method that detects the presence of a cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A mutant allele and/or a melanocortin-1 receptor variant allele. The presence of a cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A mutant allele increases the probability that an individual carrying a melanocortin-1 receptor variant allele will develop melanoma. Similarly, the presence of a melanocortin-1 receptor variant allele increases the probability that an individual carrying a cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A mutant allele will develop melanoma.