Associations between timing of exposure to ultraviolet radiation, T-stage and survival in prostate cancer

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has been inversely associated with prostate cancer risk. We determined if skin type and UVR exposure are linked with parameters of prostate cancer outcome.

We used a questionnaire to determine UVR exposure parameters and skin type in 553 men with prostate cancer and, using logistic regression and survival analysis, studied their association with T-stage, Gleason score, and survival after starting hormone manipulation therapy.

UVR exposures 10, 20, and 30 years before diagnosis were inversely associated with T-stage. The odds ratio (OR) for UVR exposure 10 years before diagnosis was lowest (OR=0.69, 95% CI=0.56-0.86). ORs were lower in men with skin types I/II than III/IV. Skin types I/II were associated with longer survival after commencing hormone therapy (hazard ratio=0.62, 95% CI=0.40-0.95).

Our finding that UVR exposure is beneficial is compatible with accumulating data showing sunlight has a protective effect on disease phenotype.