Melanoma genetic factors

Cancer occurs when the growth and function of cells are out of control in relation to normal tissue. The combination of genetic alterations and environmental toxins is the most frequent contributor to the process of carcinogenesis. In the development of skin cancer, the risk factors are categorized as environmental (solar UV radiation), genetic (family history), immunosuppression, and previous history of melanoma.10... 

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer among fair-skinned people in the US and the incidence rates of common forms of skin cancer increases with the dose of UV-B radiation. The incidence of NMSC (the predominant form of which is the non-lethal basal cell carcinoma) in US correlates well with available UV-B levels. A relatively higher level of risk exists for fairskinned populations [5] exposed to increased solar UV-B contents. The role of UV-B in promoting the more serious malignant melanoma remains unresolved. Factors such as genetics, avoidance behavior and diet can modify the impacts of exposure in both humans and in animal species. 

Priest, J. H., Phillips, C. N., Wang, Y., and Richmond, A. (1988) Chromosome and growth factor abnormalities in melanoma. Cancer Genet. Cytogenet. 35,253-262. 

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