Genetic Defects Leading to Increased Risk of Melanoma Identified

Scientists at Cancer Research UK center in Leeds have identified three genetic faults that increase the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by more than 30 percent.

While people who have a family history of the disease and who have fair skin, blue or green eyes, blond or red hair and a high number of moles are at an increased risk of skin cancer, researchers at University of Leeds have now identified faults in three genes that are not related to skin, hair or eye color.

The first gene is linked to narcolepsy, the second to controlling cell growth and the third is involved in repairing DNA damage. The researchers said that those who have the three faults are 30 percent more likely to suffer from melanoma.

"We know that over-exposure to UV increases the risk of developing melanoma but this evidence shows that there are new additional genetic faults which can push up the risk further", lead researcher Professor Tim Bishop said.

Source: Medindia