Several new studies, including one conducted by Iceland’s DeCODE Genetics, have reinforced the connection between a gene for skin tone and the risk of developing skin cancer, according to reports in the New Scientist.
The studies found that genes, rather than specific skin pigmentation, are the strongest indicators of skin cancer risk. The exact gene was identified by researchers from Australia and Iceland, who studied thousands of people in order to find the one gene which contributed both to a person’s particular skin tone and to their risk of developing cancer.
According to DeCODE Genetics’ CEO, Kari Stefansson, sun exposure and skin colour are not the only factors involved. The research team in Reykjavik found a genetic mutation they call ASIP, which, when present, indicates that a person has twice the risk of developing melanoma than someone without the mutation, even if that person is a resident of Iceland, where sunshine is less intense than in Australia.
In order to learn more about the connections between cancer and skin pigmentation, DeCODE studied people of all skin and hair colourations from Iceland, Sweden and Eastern Europe. The research team discovered two variations of the ASIP gene which strongly correlated with red hair, freckles and sensitivity to the sun. The same mutation also correlated with a highly increased chance of melanoma.
Previously, researchers concluded that exposure to sun played a strong part in the development of the melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, but current research points to a strong genetic role.
“In Iceland you can avoid sunlight because it is so rare,” Stefansson said.
The research indicates that screening people based on both skin colour and genes could play a role in preventing skin cancer.
