Melanoma is a
type of skin cancer that is a tumor of melanin-forming cells. Melanin is a
specific type of skin cell. There are various ways to get melanoma but too much
sun exposure is usually the most common. There has been new research that shows
that sunburn may not be only way to get it. The research shows that genetics
may play a key role in the development of this cancer. Despite the research
that has been coming out, experts say that people should still use proper
caution while sunbathing. Too much sun is proven to cause melanoma. Neil Box,
assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Colorado Anschutz
Medical Campus says that in order to prevent melanoma, none of the current
recommendations should be changed. An expert dermatologist, Dr. Jeffrey Salomon
who is a professor of surgery at Yale University School of Medicine, has said that
genetics is a big factor of getting melanoma. BRAF gene mutations can be tied
to 40 and 60 percent of all melanoma cases. There have been new medications
that fight this cancer and the results have been showing to help significantly.
Melanocortin-1 receptor, or MC1R, gene affects ones skin pigmentation. Dr.
Wendt from the Medical University of Vienna has led new research on studying
variations of this gene. Red haired people were said to be at the highest risk
of getting melanoma due to this gene. The experiment included about one thousand
people with melanoma and about 800 people who did not have melanoma. About 47
percent of the people with melanoma said they had 12 sunburns in their
lifetimes, compared to 31 percent of people showing that too much sun was the
cause. 41 percent of the people with melanoma also had at least two variations
of the gene. After examining the results, questions are still raised whether or
not people that have these gene variants have a higher risk of getting melanoma.
Supposedly the results are not definite and do not prove anything.
The results of these
tests are not 100 percent. There is not definite proof that shows that genetics
is a huge cause of melanoma. I think that people should continue to use the
proper precautions when enduring long sun exposure. It is known that the sun’s
UV rays do cause melanoma. So in order to prevent it, sunscreen should always
be worn when someone will be exposed to these harmful UV rays. I believe that
researching should continue doing tests to see if genetics actually does
determine ones risk of melanoma. However in the meantime everyone should be cautious
when out in the sun.
Links:
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skincancer-melanoma/detailedguide/melanoma-skin-cancer-what-is-melanoma
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