We trained and validated risk prediction models for the three major types of skin cancer- basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma-on a cross-sectional and longitudinal dataset of 210,000 consented research participants who responded to an online survey covering personal and family history of skin cancer, skin susceptibility, and UV exposure.,We developed a primary disease risk score (DRS) that combined all 32 identified genetic and non-genetic risk factors.,Top percentile DRS was associated with an up to 13-fold increase (odds ratio per standard deviation increase >2.5) in the risk of developing skin cancer relative to the middle DRS percentile.,To derive lifetime risk trajectories for the three skin cancers, we developed a second and age independent disease score, called DRSA.,Using incident cases, we demonstrated that DRSA could be used in early detection programs for identifying high risk asymptotic individuals, and predicting when they are likely to develop skin cancer.,High DRSA scores were not only associated with earlier disease diagnosis (by up to 14 years), but also with more severe and recurrent forms of skin cancer.,Predicting who will develop skin cancer is difficult.,Here, the authors from 23andMe developed a polygenic risk score for skin cancer based on a questionnaire and genetic data from more than 210,000 individuals and suggest that the score could be used in early screening programmes.
Cutaneous malignant melanoma, whose incidence is increasing steadily worldwide, is the result of complex interactions between individual genetic factors and environmental risk factors.,Ultraviolet radiation represents the most important environmental risk factor for the development of skin cancers, including melanoma.,Sun exposure and early sunburn during childhood are the principal causes of cutaneous melanoma insurgence in adults, with double the risk relative to a nonexposed population.,Consequently, ultraviolet protection has long been recognized as an important measure to prevent such a malignancy.,Biological and epidemiological data suggest that vitamin D status could affect the risk of cancer and play a role in cancer prevention by exerting antiproliferative effects.,Solar radiations are critical for vitamin D synthesis in humans; however, uncontrolled and intensive sun exposure is dangerous to skin health and may contribute toward the development of cutaneous malignant melanoma.,An optimum balance between sun protection and exposure is thus advocated.,Additional research is required to confirm the preventive role of vitamin D in melanoma incidence or a positive influence on patient outcome.