Low DNA repair capacity linked to melanoma

By Geoff Michaels, June 8th, 2013 | Health | 0 Comments

A study shows that people with fair skin have lowered DNA repair capacity and are more likely to develop skin cancer.
Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer and it is on the increase. It is known that sunlight exposure increases the risk, because ultraviolet light causes damage to DNA, which can trigger cancer. But it has not been clear why some people are more prone than others to melanoma.

Researchers at the University of Texas looked at a group of 312 people with melanoma and analysed their DNA repair capacity. They found that they had an average 19 per cent reduced capacity to heal the DNA damage inflicted by sunlight. Those with this reduced capacity tended to be those with fair skin, light hair and light eye color - who have previously been shown to be more at risk.

This is the first study linking DNA repair to melanoma. It could one day lead to a screening test so that people would know if they were especially at risk from the sun. In the meantime, everyone - especially those with fair coloring - should protect themselves from ultraviolet light in sunshine with sunscreen and protective clothing.