Genetics and Melanoma

Q: Read study done in Germany that links fathers to sons gene related to melanoma genesis in families. Any more research done on it yet? Reader from Vancouver, WA A: Many studies have shown a genetic link, and some of the responsible genes are known (and can be tested for), but these mutations are only responsible […]
Does occasional tanning damage my skin?

Q: Is tanning occasionally (1-10 times a year) damaging to my skin? I don’t burn and have no family history of skin cancer? -Bothell, WA A: Doesn’t matter if you burn or not. The tanning response requires genetic damage to the DNA in your skin cells in order for tanning to happen. Even tanning 10 […]