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Mutation 'sparks most melanoma' Mutation 'sparks most melanoma'
(about 10 hours later)
Scientists have pinpointed a genetic mutation which may trigger up to 70% of cases of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.Scientists have pinpointed a genetic mutation which may trigger up to 70% of cases of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.
It was previously known that the BRAF gene was often damaged or mutated in melanomas - but not whether this was a cause or result of the cancer.It was previously known that the BRAF gene was often damaged or mutated in melanomas - but not whether this was a cause or result of the cancer.
The latest study shows acquiring the mutation can be the first in a cascade of genetic changes leading to melanoma.The latest study shows acquiring the mutation can be the first in a cascade of genetic changes leading to melanoma.
The Institute of Cancer Research study features in the journal Cancer Cell.The Institute of Cancer Research study features in the journal Cancer Cell.
MELANOMA The most serious form of skin cancerSun exposure is the main - and most preventable - risk factor, causing genetic damage to the skinAround one third of melanomas develop from normal molesThe rest develop on areas of previously normal skinWarning signs include:Two halves of a mole do not look the sameThe edges of the mole are irregular, blurred or jaggedColour is uneven, with more than one shadeMole is wider than 6mmMELANOMA The most serious form of skin cancerSun exposure is the main - and most preventable - risk factor, causing genetic damage to the skinAround one third of melanomas develop from normal molesThe rest develop on areas of previously normal skinWarning signs include:Two halves of a mole do not look the sameThe edges of the mole are irregular, blurred or jaggedColour is uneven, with more than one shadeMole is wider than 6mm
It confirms that BRAF is a driving force behind the disease and could be the trigger that leads to skin cancer.It confirms that BRAF is a driving force behind the disease and could be the trigger that leads to skin cancer.
Although the study was carried out in mice, the researchers said that melanomas which develop in the animals closely resemble those that develop in humans.
Lead researcher Professor Richard Marais said: "We know that excessive sun exposure is the main cause of skin cancer, but not much is known about the genetics behind it.Lead researcher Professor Richard Marais said: "We know that excessive sun exposure is the main cause of skin cancer, but not much is known about the genetics behind it.
"Our study shows that the genetic damage of BRAF is the first step in skin cancer development."Our study shows that the genetic damage of BRAF is the first step in skin cancer development.
"Understanding this process will help us develop more effective treatments for the disease.""Understanding this process will help us develop more effective treatments for the disease."
There are around 9,500 new cases of malignant melanoma and more than 2,300 deaths from the disease each year in the UK.There are around 9,500 new cases of malignant melanoma and more than 2,300 deaths from the disease each year in the UK.
Over-exposure to sunlight causes at least two thirds of all malignant melanomas.Over-exposure to sunlight causes at least two thirds of all malignant melanomas.
REDUCING THE RISK Spend time in the shade between 1100 and 1500Make sure you never burnWear a t-shirt, hat and sunglassesTake extra care with childrenUse factor 15+ sunscreenREDUCING THE RISK Spend time in the shade between 1100 and 1500Make sure you never burnWear a t-shirt, hat and sunglassesTake extra care with childrenUse factor 15+ sunscreen
This excessive exposure damages DNA and causes genetic mutations.This excessive exposure damages DNA and causes genetic mutations.
Dr Lesley Walker, of Cancer Research UK, said: "There is lots of exciting research focused on developing new therapies that will block the function of mutant BRAF.Dr Lesley Walker, of Cancer Research UK, said: "There is lots of exciting research focused on developing new therapies that will block the function of mutant BRAF.
"A better understanding of the genetics of skin cancer can help scientists develop more targeted drugs with fewer side effects to treat the disease.""A better understanding of the genetics of skin cancer can help scientists develop more targeted drugs with fewer side effects to treat the disease."