Recently, we discussed allelic variations (defects) in the MC1R receptor (see this post). These variations, most prominent in red haired coloured (RHC) individuals, have been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer.
New research from the Erasmus Medical Center in the Netherlands has delivered further bad news for individuals with red hair: they are at a higher risk of recurrent basal cell carcinoma (BCC) skin cancer.
BCC is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for up to 75% of all skin cancer cases. Compared to many other cancers, BCC is rarely fatal and is easily treated if identified early, but poses a major burden on health systems, particularly in countries with large fair-skinned populations.
In a study of two cohorts of 10,994 patients, nine years apart, the Erasmus team found that 524 had BCC lesions: 361 single lesions and 163 multiple lesions. Multiple lesions corresponded to red hair colour, higher socioeconomic status and education level, and a younger age of first diagnosis.
The authors suggested individuals with higher levels of education lead different lifestyles, frequently exposing their skin to UV for intermittent periods, developing cancers on places other than the head and neck and enjoying a longer life expectancy, thus having more time to develop BCC lesions.
While red hair is a known risk factor for skin cancer, the study authors highlighted that other known risk factors, such as blue eyes or blond hair, did not correlate to the risks of additional lesions.
Recurrence of BCC is also reported to depend upon treatments used, with rates of 1-10% reported in the literature.
Reference
- Kiiski, V et al, 2010, “Risk Factors for Single and Multiple Basal Cell Carcinomas”. Arch Dermatol. 146(8): 848-855. Abstract: <http://archderm.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/146/8/848>.
Image reference
‘Red Hair, Green Grass, Blue Water’ uploaded to flickr.com by ‘Let Ideas Compete’ on 28 June 2009, <http://www.flickr.com/photos/question_everything/3671881595/>.
