Is skin cancer passed on by genetics, or is it UV exposure that causes skin cancer? Yes, there are certain genetic mutations that are inherited, or passed through the germ-line, but the
main cause of skin cancer is UV radiation which is an environmental genetic defect. In the past few decades the indents of melanoma has been on the rise. Each year, more than 32,000 Americans are diagnosed with melanoma, and 6,000 die from this cancer (Sultus, 2012) Researchers have found an increase in melanoma in the 15-34 year old age group, suggesting that the increase sun exposure and use of tanning beds are some risk factors that increase melanoma. (Bebbington, 2014) Skin cancer is an extremely curable disease if treated in the early stages.
Cancer begins when one or more genes in a cell change from their normal state. This usually creates an abnormal protein in the gene or none at all. There is a specific gene that may contribute to skin cancer coming for germ-line (parent to child), this gene also plays a role in color of hair, skin, and nails. It is MC1R gene that produces a protein called melanocortin 1 receptor which is responsible for pigmentation. This receptor is located on a melanocyte, which are cells that produce a pigment called, Melanin. Melanin is a substance that gives skin, hair and eyes their color. Melanin is also found in the back of the eye, where it plays a role in normal vision. Melancytes produce two forms of melanin, eumelanin and pheomelanian. Individuals who produce mostly eumelanin tend to have brown or black hair and dark skin and tan easily. Eumelanin also protects the skin from harmful UV rays in the sun. People who produce mostly pheomelanian tend to have red hair and light colored skin, and don’t tan well. These people don’t have as much protection from the sun and sunburn easily, and are more at risk for developing skin cancer. This gene that produces skin, hair and eye color with genetic changes in the MCIR gene increases the...