Gene Mutation Instigates Skin Cancer, Scientists Say

Sun exposure leads to certain gene mutation

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 7, 2009 11:22 AM CDT

(Newser) – Some 70% of melanoma skin cancers may initially be caused by a particular gene mutation resulting from overexposure to the sun, British scientists says, in a finding that could help create targeted melanoma drugs. Researchers had already seen that the BRAF gene was often damaged... Read full story »

COMMENTS

Read the comment policy

You need to Log in to Newser to comment. Don't have an account yet? Sign up now!

There are no comments

A snapshot of the day's best news stories.

View Larger Grid

All Today Yesterday Pick a Date

What's Popular Now on Facebook

'Serpent Pastor' Dies of Snake Bite

Miami Face-Eater Identified

Reuters (Source Grid »)

Abstract of the journal article
Cell

Science

skin cancer • sun • genetic mutation • melanoma • genetic research

More Newser Stories

Hooked on the Sun?

New studies say tanning is addictive, sunscreen increases risk of melanoma

(NEWSER) - Tanning may be addictive, and sunscreen use may actually increase the risk of melanoma, according to a Slate round-up of new research about the effects of sun on skin. In a study aimed at testing the long-held theory that UV rays stimulate endorphins, researchers gave a group of sunbathers a drug blocking endorphin receptors The frequent tanners among them indeed presented symptoms of withdrawal. More»

Cheap Flights: a Ticket to Skin Cancer

Rise in beach holidays blamed for increase in melanoma

(NEWSER) - Doctors in Britain have blamed a 50% rise in the incidence of skin cancer on cheap flights to the beach, reports the Independent. Statistics from Cancer Research UK and the British travel agents' association confirm that easier access to sunny climates have made melanoma the nation's fastest-rising disease, particularly among young people. More»

Skin Cancer Soars Among Young Adults

Researchers blame tanning beds

(NEWSER) - Researchers expected a rise in skin cancer among young women—but they didn't expect this: Between 1970 and 2009, melanoma became eight times more common among women 18 to 39 and four times higher among men in that age group, Time reports. "There is currently a melanoma epidemic in the US, particularly in young women and middle-aged men," notes a Mayo Clinic dermatologist and researcher involved in the study. The increase among women is likely tied to tanning salons, the experts say. More»

Vitamin A May Fight Skin Cancer: Study

Supplement pills reduced risk, particularly in women

(NEWSER) - If you're worried about getting skin cancer, maybe some vitamin A supplements are in order; a new study has shown that people taking them were 60% less likely to develop melanoma. The study, which was published today in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, followed 59,000 people for six years, LiveScience reports. Of the 5,800 taking regular vitamin A supplements, only 28 got melanoma—compared to 506 among those who had never taken it. More»

In US, Skin Cancer More Common on Left Side

Driving is likely to blame, say researchers

(NEWSER) - Before you roll your car windows and set out on a summer road cruise, consider this: People in the US are more likely to get skin cancer on their left side, perhaps because of driving, new research shows. While driving, the left arm gets more UV. In cases where skin cancer occurred on only one side, 52% of melanomas and 53% of merkel cell carcinomas were on the left, USA Today reports. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Gene Mutation Instigates Skin Cancer, Scientists Say

Sun exposure leads to certain gene mutation

skin cancer • sun • genetic mutation • melanoma • genetic research

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Hooked on the Sun?

New studies say tanning is addictive, sunscreen increases risk of melanoma

Cheap Flights: a Ticket to Skin Cancer

Rise in beach holidays blamed for increase in melanoma

Skin Cancer Soars Among Young Adults

Researchers blame tanning beds

Vitamin A May Fight Skin Cancer: Study

Supplement pills reduced risk, particularly in women

In US, Skin Cancer More Common on Left Side

Driving is likely to blame, say researchers

About Us

Site

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?