Friday, 2 November 2012

Unexpected factor contributes to melanoma risk in red-haired, fair-skinned individuals

The elevated risk of melanoma among people with red hair and fair skin may be caused by more than just a lack of natural protection against ultraviolet radiation. Researchers at the MGH Cutaneous Biology Research Center and Cancer Center have found that the type of skin pigment predominantly found in red-haired, fair-skinned individuals may itself contribute to the development of melanoma. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Mitra D, et al. An ultraviolet-radiation-independent pathway to melanoma carcinogenesis in the red hair/fair skin background. Nature. Published online 31 October 2012.

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