Skin cancer is the most frequent cancer in the white population worldwide. Incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and malignant melanoma (MM) is still increasing. This trend can be counteracted by means of primary and secondary prevention because the main risk factor for skin cancer – UV-radiation – is known, and, early detected, skin cancer can be cured successfully. For early detection of skin cancer suitable risk (group) markers have to be used to identify persons at risk. In order to increase the sensitivity and specificity of early detection efforts (screening programs) new molecular markers or biomarkers should be used in the future in the field of molecular epidemiology. In this review the skin cancer problem is summarized and the possible use of new biomarkers for skin cancer development, progression, metastasis and prognosis is discussed. The review focuses on results of gene expression profiling using array techniques and the new possibilities for the use of epigenetic biomarkers.

Keywords:
Skin cancer, Prevention, Molecular epidemiology, Biomarker, Gene expression arrays, Epigenetic biomarkers
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© 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel
2009
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