Anthropometric measures in relation to basal cell carcinoma: a longitudinal study
Catherine M Olsen1, Maria Celia Hughes, Nirmala Pandeya
1Cancer and Population studies group, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia. Catherine.Olsen@qimr.edu.au
BMC Cancer
|March 29, 2006
Summary
This study found no significant link between body measurements and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) risk. Adhering to WHO guidelines on body mass index and waist measurements does not appear to influence BCC development.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The link between anthropometric indices and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) risk is not well-established.
- Understanding these relationships is crucial for skin cancer prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between anthropometric measures and BCC development.
- To determine if adherence to WHO guidelines for body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist/hip ratio is associated with BCC risk, independent of sun exposure.
Main Methods:
- A community-based skin cancer prevention trial involving 1621 participants in southeast Queensland.
- Baseline measurements of height, weight, waist, and hip circumferences in 1992, with weight remeasured in 1996.
- Log-binomial and Poisson regression models were used to estimate BCC risk and relative risk during follow-up.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between anthropometric measures/indices and BCC risk after controlling for confounders, including sun exposure.
- A potential suggestion of increased BCC risk for women with short-term weight gain was observed.
- Prevalence at baseline: 94 current BCCs, 202 history of BCC. During follow-up: 179 new BCCs.
Conclusions:
- Adherence to WHO guidelines for BMI, waist circumference, and waist/hip ratio is not significantly associated with the occurrence of basal cell carcinoma.
- Current anthropometric measures do not appear to be a significant risk factor for BCC development.
