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Sun exposure and mortality from melanoma
Marianne Berwick1, Bruce K Armstrong, Leah Ben-Porat
1University of New Mexico, Department of Internal Medicine, New Mexico Cancer Research Facility, MSC08 4630, Room 103A, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA. mberwick@salud.unm.edu
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
|February 3, 2005
Summary
Increased sun exposure and skin awareness are linked to better melanoma survival rates. Early detection and regular skin screening may improve outcomes for cutaneous melanoma patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Melanoma incidence and survival rates show geographic and temporal correlations.
- Solar elastosis, a marker of sun damage, is linked to improved melanoma survival.
- The association between sun exposure and melanoma survival may be influenced by early detection rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between skin screening measures and cutaneous melanoma mortality.
- To evaluate the impact of sun exposure and skin awareness on melanoma survival.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study followed 528 cutaneous melanoma cases for over 5 years.
- Data collected included intermittent sun exposure, skin awareness, self-screening, physician screening, and histopathology.
- Competing risk models were used to calculate the risk of melanoma death (hazard ratios [HRs]).
Main Results:
- Sunburn, high intermittent sun exposure, skin awareness, and solar elastosis were inversely associated with melanoma death.
- Melanoma thickness, mitotic index, ulceration, and head/neck location were positively associated with melanoma death.
- Skin awareness (HR=0.5) and solar elastosis (HR=0.4) were independently associated with reduced melanoma death, even after adjusting for other factors.
Conclusions:
- Sun exposure is associated with increased survival from melanoma.
- Higher skin awareness and presence of solar elastosis independently predict better melanoma survival.
- These findings suggest a protective role of sun exposure and early detection in melanoma outcomes.