'Secret ginger gene' may increase skin cancer risk for millions

Conclusion The study adds more weight to the importance of using sun protection to avoid skin cancer. We already know that people with red hair and freckles who burn easily are at increased risk of skin cancer. This study suggests other people may also have a higher risk, without knowing it. Taking sensible sun protection measures makes good sense for everyone. The findings are also useful for researchers, as they add to our understanding about how certain genetic traits affect the development of skin cancer. If DNA repair is reduced in people with some gene variants, sun damage may not be the only thing affecting their chances of getting skin cancer. The study has limitations due to the type of research. It cannot tell us that these gene variants directly cause skin cancer, although it seems likely they are involved in some way. It's important to remember that not everyone in the study carried these gene variants – around half did not have R alleles, but they did have skin cancer. So while R alleles may raise the risk of skin cancer, the lack of an R allele gene variant does not mean you won't get it. It's worth noting that the confidence interval for the increase in DNA mutations is quite wide, making it difficult to be precise about the increased level of mutation. This means the reported "21 years of ageing" comparison might not be accurate. Whatever your hair colour, eye colour and skin colour, the advice on protecting your skin from the harmful effects...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Cancer Genetics/stem cells Source Type: news