Genes linked with sunburn, skin cancer risk

Genes linked with sunburn, skin cancer risk

Certain genes can determine which people are more at risk of getting sunburnt, and possibly develop skin cancer as a result, scientists said Tuesday.



And in at least one region of the genome, "we have found evidence to suggest that the gene involved in melanoma risk... acts through increasing susceptibility to sunburns," co-author Mario Falchi of King's College London told AFP.

Sun exposure is critical for the body's production of vitamin D, which keeps bones, teeth, and muscles healthy, and which scientists say may help stave off chronic diseases, even cancer.


The new study, which claims to be the largest to date into the genetics of sunburn, helps explain why people with the same skin tone can have such different reactions to exposure to sunlight -- some burn red while others tan brown.

It may also begin to explain factors in skin cancer risk.

"It is necessary to explore these genes in more detail, to understand the mechanism by which they contribute to propensity to burn," said Falchi.


"People tend to 'forget' that sunburns are quite dangerous," said Falchi.


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