MC1R R151C — modestly increased melanoma risk
One copy of the MC1R R151C variant — a "red-hair-associated" allele.
You have one copy of a common MC1R gene change linked to red hair, freckling, and fair skin.
Associated with fairer skin, freckling, lower tanning capacity, and a modestly increased lifetime risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.
You're likely to have fairer skin, more freckling, less ability to tan, and a slightly raised lifetime risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.
What this means
MC1R controls the balance between brown/black eumelanin and yellow/red pheomelanin in skin. "Red hair" variants like R151C shift production toward pheomelanin, which protects against UV damage much less effectively. The associated melanoma risk increase is real but modest, and is almost entirely about UV exposure: sun protection, skin checks, and avoiding sunburn change outcomes much more than knowing the genotype.
MC1R sets the balance between two kinds of pigment in your skin: brown- black eumelanin, which blocks UV pretty well, and yellow-red pheomelanin, which doesn't. "Red hair" changes like R151C tip your skin toward making more pheomelanin, which is why fair-skinned, freckly, red-haired people burn instead of tan. The bump in melanoma risk is real but modest, and it's almost all about sun exposure: sunscreen, hats, shade, avoiding sunburns, and regular skin checks make a much bigger difference than knowing your MC1R type.
Caveats
- The risk increase is real but modest in absolute terms.
- UV exposure is the dominant modifiable factor — sun protection is the lever.
- MC1R has many variants. This is one of three common "red-hair-associated" alleles.
Populations
- Common in European populations, particularly those with fair skin and red hair