Alcohol has been linked to several different cancers, some more strongly than others. Now a study adds a new type of cancer to the list, and it's an unexpected one: Brown University researchers say that drinking, even in moderate amounts, is associated with higher rates of melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Their research revealed more interesting facts, as well. In the study, white wine had a bigger impact on melanoma risk than red wine, beer, or liquor. And compared with teetotalers, alcohol drinkers' increased risk was greatest for body parts that normally aren't exposed to the sun.

Some scientists have speculated that alcohol may make us more susceptible to sunburns, says co-author Eunyoung Cho, ScD, an associate professor of dermatology and epidemiology at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. But the new findings indicate there may be something else going on beneath the surface, she says.

About 3.6% of cancer cases worldwide are thought to be caused by alcohol, the authors note, informs CNN.