Unexpected Factor Contributes to Melanoma Risk in Red-Haired, Fair-Skinned Individuals

[xchrom]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121031141856.htm

?1351716839
The type of skin pigment predominantly found in red-haired, fair-skinned individuals may itself contribute to the development of melanoma. (Credit: © sframe / Fotolia)

ScienceDaily (Oct. 31, 2012) — The well-established elevated risk of melanoma among people with red hair and fair skin may be caused by more than just a lack of natural protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In an article receiving Advance Online Publication in Nature, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Cutaneous Biology Research Center (CBRC)and Cancer Center researchers report finding that the type of skin pigment predominantly found in red-haired, fair-skinned individuals may itself contribute to the development of melanoma.

"We've known for a long time that people with red hair and fair skin have the highest melanoma risk of any skin type. These new findings do not increase that risk but identify a new mechanism to help explain it," says David Fisher, MD, PhD, chief of the MGH Department of Dermatology, director of the CBRC and senior author of the Nature paper. "This may provide an opportunity to develop better sunscreens and other measures that directly address this pigmentation-associated risk while continuing to protect against UV radiation, which remains our first line of defense against melanoma and other skin cancers."

Several types of the pigment melanin are found in the skin: a dark brown or black form called eumelanin, predominant in individuals with dark hair or skin, and a lighter blond-to-red pigment called pheomelanin, the predominant pigment in individuals with red hair, freckles and fair skin. Red/blond melanin is known to be less effective than dark melanin in shielding against UV damage, but there were several hints that the incidence of melanoma in individuals of that skin type may not be fully explained by limited UV protection. While the increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancers is limited to sun-exposed areas, the melanoma risk also applies to areas of skin not exposed to sunlight. In addition, although available sunscreens may do a good job of blocking some forms of UV damage such as sunburns, many studies have suggested that they may not be as effective protecting against melanoma as against other types of skin cancers.

[LeftishBrit]

1. Interesting; perhaps this knowledge will lead to better treatments or preventions for melanoma.