Certain genes that can result in the development of melanoma are passed down from a parent to their child. Some of these include:
CDKN2A: Approximately 70 percent of all people who have a CDKN2A gene mutation will develop melanoma at some point during their lifetime. Mutations in this gene are the most common reason for a person developing inherited melanoma.
MC1R: There is increasing evidence suggesting that the more MC1R gene variations there are, the higher the risk a person has of developing melanoma. This gene is partly responsible for determining whether or not a person has fair skin, red hair, or a a UV radiation sensitivity. People who have these traits tend to have a higher risk of developing skin cancer, even when a genetic mutation is not present.
MDM2: In 2009, a study was published that determined that a mutation in this gene predisposes women to developing this cancer at a younger age (younger than 50 years of age). However, a mutation in this gene does not predispose men the developing this type of cancer. Those who have this genetic mutation along with fair skin, a history of blistering sunburns, and freckling are at an even higher risk of developing skin cancer.
