A common and serious skin cancer in the UK, it affects all ages. Melanoma genetic testing helps identify inherited risk early.
Mostly caused by excessive UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds.
Despite being one of the most preventable types of cancer.
Than people of black ethniticities, according to US data (1:38 vs 1:1,000 respectively)
Caused by inherited genetic mutations — most commonly in the CDKN2A gene.
Disclaimer! The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is based on NHS recommendations. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider for advice on medical conditions or treatments.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops when abnormal melanocytes (the cells that produce pigment) grow and divide uncontrollably. These cells can form a lump or tumour and may, in some cases, spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma most commonly appears on the skin but can also occur in areas like the eyes or mucous membranes.
Most melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or sunbeds, but inherited genetic factors can also play a role. Melanoma genetic testing is helping identify those with a higher inherited risk. Melanoma can affect people of all skin tones and ages, although it is more common in lighter-skinned individuals. Like many cancers, early detection is key, as melanoma caught at an early stage is much easier to treat successfully.
If you have a family history of melanoma, or related cancers such as pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, or mesothelioma, you may want to consider genetic testing. Inherited changes (mutations) in genes such as CDKN2A, BAP1, and others can significantly increase the risk of developing melanoma. Testing can help you find out whether you carry one of these mutations, offering valuable insight for your future health and your family's.
You may be at higher risk if you have two or more close relatives who have had melanoma, if there is a family history of multiple primary melanomas, or if a known inherited condition like familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome runs in your family. People of European descent are also at higher risk. Research suggests that about 5-10% of melanomas may be linked to inherited genetic changes. Knowing your genetic risk can help guide early screening, prevention strategies, and personalised care.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to see a doctor or dermatologist. Early diagnosis and treatment greatly improve the chances of a full recovery, especially if you are already monitoring your skin due to findings from melanoma screening.
Melanoma is most commonly caused by damage to the skin cells from UV radiation, either from sunlight or artificial sources like sunbeds. Other risk factors include having a large number of moles, fair skin that burns easily, a history of sunburn, and a weakened immune system.
Inherited genetic mutations account for a smaller but important percentage of melanoma cases, particularly in families with multiple affected members. Mutations in genes such as CDKN2A and BAP1 can significantly increase lifetime risk. Genetic testing can identify these mutations early, helping to guide regular skin checks, lifestyle adjustments, and preventative care.
Diagnosis of melanoma typically starts with a skin examination, followed by a biopsy to confirm if a suspicious mole or lesion is cancerous. Imaging tests such as lymph node ultrasound, CT scans, or PET scans may be used to see if the cancer has spread.
If you are concerned about inherited risk, genetic testing can detect mutations linked to hereditary melanoma. Knowing your genetic status can help you and your healthcare team create a tailored screening and prevention plan to catch potential problems as early as possible.
Treatment for melanoma depends on the stage and whether the cancer has spread. Early-stage melanomas can often be treated effectively with surgery alone to remove the tumour. More advanced cases may require additional treatments such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.
For individuals with inherited genetic mutations, treatment and prevention strategies might also involve more frequent skin checks, lifestyle changes to reduce UV exposure, and sometimes preventative surgery. Your care team will work closely with you to design the best approach for your situation, aiming to balance effective treatment with maintaining quality of life.
We offer expert advice and testing for a range of genes that may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer.
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Genetic testing is available for melanoma, especially if you have a strong family history or multiple cases in close relatives.
At Jeen, our at-home test includes genes linked to hereditary melanoma such as CDKN2A, CDK4, and others involved in pigment and cancer pathways. Even if you haven’t had melanoma yourself, testing can uncover hidden risk and help guide early monitoring or prevention.
Some of the genes associated with melanoma may also raise the risk for other cancers, like pancreatic cancer or breast cancer, depending on the mutation. That’s why our panel looks more broadly at related hereditary cancer risks, offering a fuller picture of your genetic health.
Melanoma can be inherited genetically in some cases. Around 5-10% of all melanomas are considered hereditary. This means they’re caused by inherited mutations in specific genes, most notably CDKN2A, which is the most well-established gene linked to familial melanoma.
If you have two or more close relatives with melanoma, or a family history of both melanoma and pancreatic cancer, your risk of having an inherited mutation is higher.
At Jeen, our at-home genetic test screens for key melanoma-related genes as part of a broader 50-gene panel, helping you understand your inherited risk and take steps to monitor or reduce it early, with full support from expert genetic counsellors.
Genetic testing panels that include melanoma-associated genes may be appropriate if you have a personal or family history suggestive of a hereditary cancer syndrome.
Testing is especially recommended if you have any of these red flags:
• Cancer diagnosed before age 50
• More than one primary cancer in the same person
• Multiple relatives affected by cancer
While testing is mainly for adults, it may also be considered in some children based on clinical and family history.
At Jeen, we help you assess whether testing is right for you with expert support at every step.
A positive result means we’ve found a genetic change linked to higher melanoma risk. But it’s not a diagnosis, it’s an opportunity to take action.
With Jeen, you’ll meet with a genetic counsellor who will explain what the result means for you, discuss options like early screening, lifestyle changes, or preventive care, and explore whether other family members should consider testing. You’ll get clear, personalised guidance to help you plan your next steps with confidence and support.
Yes, genetic testing can play a key role in melanoma prevention.
By identifying inherited mutations that increase your risk, testing allows you and your healthcare team to take proactive steps like regular skin checks, early surveillance, and lifestyle changes.
Our at-home test provides accurate insights into your genetic risk, backed by expert counselling to help you understand what it means and build a personalised prevention plan that fits you.
Yes, a family history of melanoma can be a strong reason to consider genetic testing, especially if it was diagnosed in multiple relatives or before age 50. These patterns may suggest inherited risk. Even without a clear family history, testing can still uncover important insights.
At Jeen, our expert genetic counsellors review your background in detail to help decide if testing is right for you, so you can make informed, proactive choices about your health.
Yes, Jeen offers private genetic testing for melanoma to anyone in London and across the UK. Our at-home buccal swab kit makes it simple to collect your DNA sample, with no clinic visit needed.
We screen 50 carefully selected genes, including those linked to hereditary melanoma like CDKN2A and BAP1, using high-depth sequencing for clinical-grade accuracy. Once your results are ready, you’ll receive expert counselling to help you understand your risk and take confident next steps.
Genetic testing provides valuable insights, but it does have boundaries. At Jeen, we analyse key genes linked to melanoma, but not all genetic risk factors are covered.
Some rare or complex mutations may be missed, and results can include Variants of Uncertain Significance (VUS), changes that need expert interpretation.
A negative result doesn’t eliminate all risk, especially with a family history. That’s why Jeen includes genetic counselling, to help you fully understand your results and guide your next steps with clarity and confidence.
Read more about genetic testing statistic.
Jeen’s genetic testing for melanoma cancer is priced at £660. This all-inclusive cost covers your at-home DNA kit, lab analysis using high-depth 50x sequencing, and a personalised consultation with one of our expert genetic counsellors.
The test analyses 50 carefully chosen genes, each backed by strong scientific evidence linked to prostate cancer risk. You’ll get accurate insights into your inherited risk and support to help you decide on next steps with no extra charges or referrals needed.
Yes, if you test positive for a BRCA mutation, your close family members should consider genetic testing too. Because BRCA mutations are inherited, your parents, siblings, and children may carry the same gene change and face a higher risk of cancers like breast and ovarian. Early testing helps them take proactive steps, such as enhanced screening or preventive care. At Jeen, our expert genetic counsellors are here to support you and your family in understanding and navigating these important next steps together.
Our team of expert Genetic Counsellors is here to help. Whether you're curious about testing, your results, or what’s right for you — we're just a message away.
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