HSA | FSA CARDS ARE NOW ACCEPTED

MC1R and Skin Cancer Risk: What Your Genotype Means for Sun Safety

Skin cancer is driven primarily by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning devices. Common types include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, the latter carrying the highest risk of spread and mortality. The MC1R gene plays an important role in how your skin makes melanin, the pigment that shields cells from UV damage. Variations in MC1R can change the balance between darker, protective eumelanin and lighter pheomelanin, which provides less UV protection and can increase oxidative stress in skin cells.

This article explains how MC1R variation at rs1805007 relates to skin cancer risk, practical steps to reduce that risk, and lifestyle and nutrition approaches that support skin health. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is educational only. Always consult your healthcare provider or a board-certified dermatologist to interpret your results and plan personalized screening or treatment.

How MC1R Affects Melanin and Cancer Risk

MC1R influences whether skin cells favor eumelanin (darker pigment) or pheomelanin (lighter pigment). Eumelanin absorbs and scatters UV light more effectively and neutralizes reactive molecules produced by UV exposure. Pheomelanin is less protective and can generate oxidative stress after UV exposure, which increases DNA damage and cancer risk.

Variants in MC1R can reduce signaling that produces eumelanin and favor pheomelanin. Importantly, increased genetic risk from MC1R variants can be present even if you do not have visible traits such as fair skin or red hair. That means sun safety and screening are important for people with at-risk genotypes regardless of appearance.

Two effect alleles (TT) — Elevated risk

If your genotype at rs1805007 is TT, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a higher risk of melanoma and basal cell carcinoma compared with the population baseline. Biological impact includes reduced eumelanin production and increased pheomelanin, which can leave your skin less able to protect against UV-induced DNA damage.

Practical steps

  • Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily on exposed skin; reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
  • Wear sun-protective clothing, wide-brim hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
  • Avoid direct sun exposure during peak UV hours (generally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
  • Never use tanning beds.
  • Perform monthly full-body self-exams; learn to recognize new or changing moles or lesions using the ABCDE rule for melanoma.
  • Schedule regular dermatology visits for professional skin checks; consider annual exams or more frequent screening if advised by your dermatologist.

Nutrition and supplements

  • Eat a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables for natural antioxidants (vitamins C, E, carotenoids, polyphenols).
  • Consider omega-3 rich foods such as fatty fish, which support skin barrier health and may reduce inflammation.
  • Discuss with your clinician before starting supplements; avoid relying on supplements as a substitute for sun protection.

Additional monitoring

  • Keep photographic records of moles and skin changes for comparison over time.
  • Report rapidly changing, bleeding, or irregular lesions promptly to your dermatologist.
One effect allele (CT) — Moderately increased risk

If your genotype is CT, you carry one copy of the effect allele and have an increased risk of melanoma and basal cell carcinoma, though typically lower than with two effect alleles. The variant can shift melanin production toward more pheomelanin and less eumelanin, raising susceptibility to UV damage.

Practical steps

  • Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily and reapply every two hours when outdoors.
  • Use sun-protective clothing, hats, and UV-blocking eyewear.
  • Avoid tanning beds and limit time in peak sun hours.
  • Perform monthly self-skin checks and see a dermatologist for regular professional exams; annual visits are commonly recommended.

Nutrition and supplements

  • Focus on antioxidant-rich foods: berries, leafy greens, tomatoes, citrus, nuts, and seeds.
  • Include healthy fats (olive oil, avocados, nuts) to support skin structure and repair.
  • Discuss any supplement plan with your healthcare provider. Vitamin D supplementation may be needed if sun avoidance reduces levels, but this should be guided by testing.
No effect alleles (CC) — Typical risk

If your genotype is CC, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele and your MC1R function is associated with typical eumelanin production. This genotype does not add genetic risk above baseline for melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma. However, everyone faces baseline lifetime risk of skin cancer, so sun protection remains essential.

Practical steps

  • Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily and reapply as recommended.
  • Wear sun-protective clothing and avoid peak UV exposure and tanning beds.
  • Perform regular self-skin checks and follow recommended dermatology screening for your age and risk factors.

Nutrition and supplements

  • Maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients to support skin health.
  • Monitor vitamin D if you have limited sun exposure and discuss testing and supplementation with your clinician.

General Lifestyle and Skin Health Tips for Everyone

  • Sun protection is the single most effective step to reduce skin cancer risk. Sunscreen and protective clothing protect against both immediate sunburn and cumulative UV damage.
  • Perform monthly self-skin exams and know the signs of suspicious lesions: asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter larger than a pencil eraser, or evolving shape or symptoms.
  • Seek prompt evaluation for lesions that bleed, itch, grow, or change.
  • Smoking cessation and minimizing alcohol intake support overall skin health and immune function.
  • Stay hydrated and use gentle skincare to maintain the skin barrier. Avoid repeated harsh chemical or physical irritation that can promote damage.
  • Consider yearly professional skin exams if you have any increased genetic or personal risk, previous skin cancers, or numerous atypical moles.

Testing, Follow-up, and When to Talk to a Clinician

Genetic information about MC1R is one factor among many that influence skin cancer risk. Other factors include personal or family history of skin cancer, number and type of moles, skin type, history of sunburns, and cumulative UV exposure. If your result indicates increased risk or if you have concerning skin findings, discuss next steps with your healthcare provider or a dermatologist. They may recommend tailored screening frequency, photographic monitoring, or preventive strategies.

PlexusDx provides this genetic information to educate about predispositions and to empower proactive prevention. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider to interpret your results, make diagnoses, or design a personalized prevention or treatment plan.