Genetic predisposition towards skin cancer: An exploration
In the United States, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, with one in five people potentially developing it within their lifetime. This article explores the genetic factors and family history that can increase the risk of developing skin cancer, particularly melanoma.
Several inherited genetic conditions increase the risk of developing skin cancer, particularly melanoma. Key hereditary factors include mutations in specific genes and inherited physical traits.
CDKN2A gene mutations are strongly linked to inherited melanoma risk. People with mutations in this gene have Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome, which significantly raises melanoma risk and also increases the risk for pancreatic cancer and other tumors.
A family history of melanoma is also important, with about 10% of melanoma cases attributed to inherited genetic mutations or familial predisposition.
Inherited physical traits that increase melanoma risk include naturally blond or red hair, light-colored eyes, numerous freckles or moles, and fair skin types (Fitzpatrick skin types I or II), all of which heighten susceptibility to UV damage and melanoma development.
Other hereditary cancer syndromes with gene mutations that may predispose individuals to skin cancers exist, though melanoma is the most discussed in this context. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are mostly linked to sun exposure rather than hereditary genes, but genetic evaluation may still be relevant in some cases.
Those with fair skin, light skin and freckles, skin that sunburns easily, red or blonde hair, and blue- or light-colored eyes have a higher risk of skin cancer. A family history of any skin cancer increases the risk of developing BCC and SCC.
The risk of skin cancer increases with age, especially after 50 years. Younger individuals may also have an increased risk of melanoma due to frequent sun exposure without proper protection. Non-Hispanic white people have a higher incidence rate of melanoma compared to other races, with Hispanic people having a lower incidence rate and non-Hispanic Black individuals having the lowest incidence rate.
If you have concerns about genetic risk factors for skin cancer, it's important to discuss specific prevention steps with a healthcare professional. If you notice any atypical skin changes, it's crucial to contact a doctor without delay. Genetic counseling and testing can clarify individual risk and guide screening for those with family histories of melanoma or early onset cases.
References:
- American Cancer Society. (2021). Skin cancer: Introduction. [online] Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer.html
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Melanoma: Prevention. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/melanoma/in-depth/melanoma-prevention/art-20046217
- National Cancer Institute. (2021). Skin Cancer: Prevention. [online] Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/skincancer/skin-prevention_fact-sheet
- National Cancer Institute. (2021). Genetics of Skin Cancer. [online] Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/skin-cancer-genetics-fact-sheet
- National Institute of Health. (2021). Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma (FAMMM) Syndrome. [online] Available at: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/familial-atypical-multiple-mole-melanoma-famm-syndrome
- People with CDKN2A gene mutations, characteristic of Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome, face a significantly increased risk of melanoma, as well as pancreatic and other tumors.
- About 10% of melanoma cases are attributed to inherited genetic mutations or familial predisposition.
- Inherited physical traits that can increase melanoma risk include naturally blond or red hair, light-colored eyes, numerous freckles or moles, and fair skin types (Fitzpatrick skin types I or II), all of which heighten susceptibility to UV damage and melanoma development.
- Other hereditary cancer syndromes with gene mutations may predispose individuals to skin cancers, but melanoma is the most discussed in this context.
- Although Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are mostly linked to sun exposure, genetic evaluation may still be relevant in some cases with family histories of skin cancer.
- Non-Hispanic white people have a higher incidence rate of melanoma compared to other races, with Hispanic people having a lower incidence rate, and non-Hispanic Black individuals having the lowest incidence rate.
- If you have concerns about genetic risk factors for skin cancer or notice any atypical skin changes, seek advice from a healthcare professional and consider genetic counseling and testing for clarity about your individual risk and appropriate screening.
