Three gene faults linked to melanoma

An international team of researchers has discovered the first DNA faults linked to melanoma - the deadliest skin cancer - that are not related to hair, skin or eye colour. Cancer Research UK scientists at the University of Leeds, together with a team from the GenoMEL consortium, scanned the genes in blood samples from almost 3000 Europeans with melanoma, and compared these with samples taken from the general population. Their findings are published today. Known risk factors for melanoma include fair skin, blue or green eyes, blond or red hair, a high number of moles, people who burn easily and those who have a family history. Previous research by these and other scientists identified five pigmentation genes and three 'mole formation' genes, linked to melanoma risk. But the scientists have now discovered three new risk genes - not associated with pigmentation or moles. Four per cent of the UK population, around 2.3m people, will carry two copies of all three gene faults (one copy inherited from each parent).