Scientists close in on skin-cancer gene

Cancer Research UK scientists have made a major discovery in the research and treatment of the disease after they located a new gene which pre-disposes people to skin cancer, according to a study published today.

Researchers from the charity are part of the international team close to isolating the gene, which they have found to sit on a tiny part of chromosome 1 – one of the bundles of DNA containing our genes.

Inheriting a faulty version of the gene is thought to give people a much higher than average chance of developing malignant melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer – and may be responsible for up to a third of inherited cases.

Scientists believe the study provides a "valuable insight" into the way in which melanoma develops, and in the future, will allow doctors to identify, monitor and advise those more susceptible to the disease to help them reduce their risk.

The most important cause of melanoma is exposure to the sun, but scientists think that, in around 10% of cases, inherited genes play a role.

"Sun exposure causes damage to the skin's DNA and accumulation of this damage can lead to cancer. Some people may inherit an increased susceptibility to melanoma and for these individuals avoiding the sun's rays becomes even more important," said Dr Julia Newton-Bishop – part of the husband and wife team who worked on the study – from the Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre at St James University Hospital in Leeds.

"High risk genes for breast cancer have been identified and well researched and we are running an international effort to discover similar genes for melanoma – a disease that is becoming increasingly more common.," she added.

Cancer Research UK's SunSmart campaign suggests people: stay in the shade between 11am-3pm; make sure they never burn; always cover up with a T-shirt, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses; remember to take extra care with children and use factor 15 plus sunscreen.

(GMcG)