It is already known that people with fair skin, blue/green eyes, blond or red hair are more likely to develop melanoma as well as people who sunburn easily. Crucial non genetic factors such as spending a lot of time strong sunlight (or sun beds) also increase risk.
However, a research team at the Cancer Research UK's centre in the University of Leeds have discovered 3 other genes which are linked to an increased risk of melanoma. A study comparing 3000 melanoma sufferers' DNA to the DNA of the general population showed these genes.
The 3 DNA faults were:
- A DNA fault in the region of the gene MX2 which is linked to narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is thought to be caused by the immune system and the study showed that this DNA fault increases risk.
- In the ATM gene a fault was found. The gene is involved in DNA repair which helps to prevent the the cancerous mistakes being replicated into daughter cells.
- A CASP8 gene fault. The CASP8 gene helps to control the spreading of cells by causing automatic cell death (autolysis).
This discovery leads to a better understanding of melanoma and therefore could lead to new and better treatments. It can also mean that after a DNA screening, people could be warned of their increases risk (1/46 if you have the faults from both parents compared to the average person's 1/60) and encouraged to take precautions such as less time in the sun or more use of sun lotion.
