Graying hair is associated by many with aging, well new research by Japanese scientists suggests that gray hair may also signal the body’s protective mechanism against cancer, specifically against melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, he writes .
Scientists from the University of Tokyo investigated melanocyte stem cellswhich are responsible for pigmentation hair and skin. Their loss causes graying, but at the same time it can reduce the risk of uncontrolled cell division, which leads to the formation of a tumor.
In mouse experiments, researchers exposed melanocyte cells to various types of DNA damage, from UV radiation to powerful carcinogenic chemicals. They found that the cells responded in two ways – they stopped the divisionwhich led to gray hair, or sa they multiplied uncontrollablywhich promoted the development of melanoma.
“As gray hair develops, the risk of melanoma decreases at the same time. The depletion of these cells may act as a protective mechanism,” explained Professor Yasuaki Mohri. However, scientists emphasize that gray hair alone does not prevent cancer. So far, research has only been conducted on animals and it will also be necessary to confirm it on humans.
If melanoma is caught early, chance of survival exceeds 90%. However, it decreases dramatically in advanced stages. Experts recommend watching the signs and noticing if they are asymmetrical, have an irregular edge, multiple colors, diameter over 6 millimeters. There are also warning signs that they itch, bleed, hurt or scab over.
The best prevention is using sunscreen with a high SPF, avoiding strong sun and tanning beds. Don’t forget to wear a hat in the summer, and sunglasses and check your skin regularly. People are fair skin, light eyes, blond or red hair and a large number of birthmarks are more risky.
