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Retinoblastoma incidence and sunlight exposure
A Jemal1, S S Devesa, T R Fears
1Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD 20892, USA.
British Journal of Cancer
|June 6, 2000
Summary
This study investigated the link between retinoblastoma incidence and ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation. No significant association was found in the USA, and international findings suggest other environmental factors may influence retinoblastoma patterns.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Epidemiology
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
Background:
- Retinoblastoma is a rare eye cancer primarily affecting young children.
- Previous research suggested a potential link between retinoblastoma and ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the association between retinoblastoma incidence and UV-B radiation levels.
- To examine this relationship using both US and international epidemiological data.
Main Methods:
- Weighted regression analysis was employed on data from the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program.
- International data were analyzed, adjusting for factors including race, economic development, and climate.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant association between retinoblastoma incidence and UV-B radiation was observed within the USA.
- Internationally, the association was significant overall and after adjusting for economic development.
- The relationship was not significant when adjusted for race and tropical climate.
Conclusions:
- The findings do not support a significant link between UV-B radiation and retinoblastoma incidence in the US.
- Environmental factors beyond UV-B radiation may explain the geographical distribution of retinoblastoma.
- Further research into other environmental influences on retinoblastoma is warranted.