Gene Mutation Tied to Skin Cancer

Melanoma, a virulent form of skin cancer, is among the deadliest of cancers, claiming about 8,000 U.S. lives a year. Now scientists say a mutation in a gene called BRAF triggers as many as 70 percent of the cases of this cancer. The discovery could lead to new treatments. "Our study shows that the genetic damage of BRAF is the first step in skin cancer development," said Richard Marais of Britain's Institute of Cancer Research. "Understanding this process will help us develop more effective treatments for the disease." [12 Common Cancer Myths]

[Read the Full Story at Reuters]

In our new Etc. format, LiveScience provides links to articles of interest around the web. It is in Beta.