Gene variation raises Melanoma risk
 

A gene variation known as cyclin D1 may raise a person's risk of melanoma by up to 80 percent, a new study has shown.

More...

Thanks "News"
 

Hi News,

I am so glad you posted this as I was just diagnosed with melanoma in situ this week and I am a bit bummed. Next week I'll have a wide local excision.

Is it fairly easy to get a "genetic profile" as mentioned in the article?

Really appreciate your post,

Vicki Z

This is so interesting. I have had 3 stage 1 Melanomas and 1 insitu melanoma over last 5 years. I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer almost 3 years ago. I am BRCA 2 positive and my doctors have told me with that genetic mutation they do see families with melanoma as well. My two sisters also carry the BRCA gene mutation one got breast cancer at 31, I was dx at 36 but my other sister is 37 and still no breast ca. She had bilat. mastectomy after my dx. Anyway neither of them has had any skin problems. How easy is it to get this test I wonder? Are you brca positive? Melissa

Great info. Wonder what we can do with it?
 

Hi Melissai,

I think I tested negative for the brca 1 and 2. My father had a melanoma on his back in 1988 and he turned 80 this past year, so it has been 20 years for him.

Even though mine is "in situ," and stage 0, I am still a bit concerned, because it is an aggressive cancer as her2 is shown to be also. Catching it early is the key and I'm glad I did.

This all made me wonder how people with tattoos would ever find a melanoma on their skin.

Be well and enjoy your October,

Vicki Z

To Melissai
 

Hi Melissai,

I just realized I didn't get tested for BRCA, but plan to see a genetic counselor. Is this a blood test? Just wanted to correct what I'd said before as I saw my oncologist and she said that I hadn't been tested for it.

See you online,

Vic