Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, with 1 million cases being diagnosed in the United States each year.[ref] There are three main types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma – and each has its own set of risks and preventative measures. Sun exposure, age, and fair skin are all risk factors for skin cancer, and certain genetic variants can increase risk further.
In this article, we will discuss the three types of skin cancer, the genetic variants that increase risk, and skin cancer prevention tips.
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Skin Cancer Types, Genetics, and Risk Factors:
The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that about 1 in 5 people in the US will get skin cancer by the age of 70.[ref] Other regions around the world vary in skin cancer risk based on sun exposure and the typical skin color of the population.
There are three different types of skin cancer:
- basal cell carcinoma
- squamous cell carcinoma
- melanoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma:
The most frequent type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma (BBC), which seldom metastasizes. This form of skin cancer is the least deadly and is easily removed, especially in the early stages. Sun exposure can cause this type of skin cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma:
Squamous cell carcinomas are the second most common type of skin cancer. It is curable if caught early, but there is a risk of metastasis to the lymph nodes, so it must be treated as soon as possible. These are often sun (or UV) induced cancers.
Malignant Melanoma:
Melanomas are dark, irregularly shaped skin cancers. These are the least common but most dangerous types of skin cancer because they can metastasize rapidly. They can arise from a mole (nevus) or a thickened patch of sun-damaged skin (solar elastosis).[ref]
Why does UV radiation cause skin cancer?
Cancer arises through DNA mutations in tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes.
UV-B radiation can cause breaks in the nuclear DNA, and when the cells divide, this can cause a change (mutation) in a tumor suppressor or oncogene. Up to 95% of the time, skin cancer mutations include UV-radiation induced changes to the TP53 gene, which codes for a tumor suppressor.[ref]
What are the risk factors for skin cancer?
Genetic variants increase the risk of skin cancer (covered in detail below). But genes alone don’t cause skin cancer. Instead, it is the combination of genetic variants along with lifestyle and environmental risk factors for skin cancer.[ref]
UV radiation:
We need sun exposure on our skin to produce vitamin D, but this is a double-edged sword… the UV radiation from the sun also increases the risk of skin cancer. Avoid getting sunburned, and instead, be sure to cover up after getting a reasonable amount of sun exposure.
Age:
As we age, the ability of the body to detect and fight off cancer decreases. Thus, like other cancers, the risk of skin cancer increases with age.
Fair skin:
People with genetic variants (below) with links to fairer skin color are at an increased risk of skin cancer.
Immunosuppressants:
Organ transplant patients are at a 100-fold increase in risk for squamous cell carcinoma.[ref] Immunosuppressants increase the risk for skin cancer due to viral agents such as HPV and herpes virus.[ref]
PAH exposure:
People exposed to higher amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are at a higher risk for skin cancer. Occupations such as iron and steel production, roofing, road paving, chimney sweeping, and aluminum production can increase exposure to PAHs.[ref]
Skin Cancer Genotype Report:
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Lifehacks:
If you have questions about an odd-looking skin patch, get it checked out by your doctor or a dermatologist.
The earlier skin cancer is detected, the more likely you will have a good outcome.
ABCD skin cancer rule:
Do you wonder what ‘odd-looking’ means when it comes to a mole? The ABCD rule for skin cancer determines if a mole or irregular dark spot is possibly a melanoma.
- Asymmetry – the mole is asymmetric
- Border irregularity – mole border is not smooth
- Color – different colors in the pigmented area
- Diameter – if the spot is larger than 6 mm in diameter
Research on 4 Natural Supplements for Skin Cancer Protection:
Member Content:
Why join Genetic Lifehacks?
~ Membership supports Genetic Lifehack's goal of explaining the latest health and genetics research.
~ It gives you access to the full article, including the Genotype and Lifehacks sections.
~ You'll see your genetic data in the articles and reports.
Join Here
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References:
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