Genetic epidemiology of familial melanoma.

Genetic epidemiology focuses on the role of genetic factors and their interaction with environmental factors in the occurrence of disease. Approximately 8% to 12% of malignant melanoma cases occur in individuals with a familial predisposition. To date, loci on chromosomes 1p and 9p have been implicated in the development of familial melanoma. Genetic epidemiologic techniques provide tools to study the heterogeneity of familial melanoma and to examine the interaction between genetic and nongenetic components of melanoma. Management of high-risk individuals from melanoma-prone families should aim to prevent disease by reducing exposure to known and suspected risk factors and to detect early melanoma by recognizing and performing biopsies on suspicious-looking nevi.