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The Australian sun is renowned for causing skin cancer but the same applies elsewhere, along with other individual factors.
We have known for some time that the sun’s UV rays cause skin cancer, including melanoma. Advances in and reduced cost for genetic testing are now shedding light on additional factors we can be born with.
Variations in the CDKN2A gene are an accepted pointer for melanoma and a significant area of study. Recent research in Australia focused on this and other genes, to try to confirm the effect on their population.
The research was conducted to a high standard and published in the British Journal of Dermatology. This involved over 1200 people, either with melanoma, or in a control group, the vast majority of North European origin.
Discovering A Combined Effect
Whilst the majority of melanomas were diagnosed in people over 40, on areas with notable sun damage, this was not the case for those under 40 years of age.
The younger patients had often developed melanoma in areas which were unlikely to have chronic sun exposure. Moreover, those with a melanoma related gene mutation had a far higher chance of developing the condition.
This doesn’t mean our genes are suddenly evolving in an odd way, or are the sole cause. There is an interplay between genetic differences, sun exposure, family history, skin and hair type, or colouring.
Although melanoma regularly develops in new moles, those with a high number are also at higher risk. A variety of individual factors can count but the relationship with melanoma related gene mutation was still clear.
The researchers concluded that with high sun exposure and identified gene mutation, people had around an 80% chance of melanoma, or 50% without much sun exposure. Both are considerably higher than you would see in the general population.
Assessing The Individual Risk
A further concern for the research team was the number of melanoma found in younger people at a later stage. They are less likely to attend for skin checks, or be aware of the risk, even when genetically prone to this.
Testing for melanoma linked gene mutations is not however part of the Australian national health system, or the UK’s NHS. Even though many specialists feel this should be, so that people at risk can be identified early.
This would encourage them to take part in screening programs and aid early diagnosis, which is such a factor in reducing treatment, along with cure rates.
Until genetic testing for melanoma is freely available, a specialist clinic is the option. For those with high numbers of moles, or relevant family history, testing should take place, although is an asset for all of us.