Screening and Genetic Testing in Melanoma

This video is from the Animated Patient's Guide to Melanoma www.YouAndMelanoma.com, developed by the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) and Mechanisms in Medicine Inc.
The mission of the Melanoma Research Foundation is to eradicate melanoma by accelerating medical RESEARCH while EDUCATING to and ADVOCATING for the melanoma community. To learn more about the MRF visit melanoma.org.
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Video description:
This animation provides an overview of genetic changes or cellular mutations in moles of the skin which can help determine the best melanoma treatments for each patient. A genetic mutation in these cells due to excess sunlight, or family inherited genes results in increased risk for the development of melanoma. Melanoma mutations promote cancer by helping cells stay alive, grow, and divide; they occur in high levels in tumor cells. A pigmented lesion assay (PLA) adhesion patch test can help diagnose melanoma at a very early stage. It is important to talk with your doctor about whether genetic testing for melanoma risk is right for you.
0:00 Introduction
0:09 Melanoma and your genes Melanoma is caused by changes in genes
0:52 How does cancer start? Mutations in the sequence of DNA
1:30 How does cancer start? Epigenetic changes
2:20 How does melanoma start? Overexposure to UV rays
2:37 How does melanoma start? UV rays can damage genes in skin cells
2:59 Genetic mutations and non-inherited melanoma
3:31 Genetic mutations and early diagnosis of melanoma
3:59 Genetic mutations and inherited melanoma
4:28 Should I get genetic testing to determine my risk for melanoma?