Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
12:37
Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Birth weight and melanoma risk: a population-based case-control study.
I Franco-Lie1, T Iversen, T E Robsahm
1Department for Research and Education, Center for Clinical Research, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo 0407, Norway. isabel.franco-lie@uus.no
British Journal of Cancer
|December 19, 2007
Summary
This study found no significant link between lower birth weight and reduced melanoma risk. However, results suggest a potential, though not statistically significant, influence of low birth weight on later melanoma development.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Dermatology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Melanoma risk factors are multifactorial, including genetic and environmental influences.
- The relationship between birth weight and subsequent cancer risk, including melanoma, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between birth weight and the risk of developing invasive melanoma later in life.
- To determine if lower birth weight correlates with a decreased risk of melanoma.
Main Methods:
- A population-based case-control study utilizing Norwegian registries.
- Inclusion of incident melanoma cases (n=709) and controls (n=108,209) born between 1967 and 1986.
- Analysis of birth weight, gender, and parental data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway and cancer data from the Cancer Registry of Norway.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant trend in melanoma risk was observed across birth weight categories.
- Individuals in the highest birth weight quartile had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.19 (95% CI: 0.77-1.84) compared to the lowest (<2500 g).
- The adjusted OR for birth weight below 2500 g was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.52-1.26).
Conclusions:
- The study did not find a statistically significant association between lower birth weight and a reduced risk of melanoma.
- Preliminary findings suggest a potential, albeit non-significant, influence of low birth weight on melanoma risk.
- Further research is warranted to clarify the complex relationship between birth weight and melanoma development.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
02:59Cancer Prevention
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
02:59Cancer Prevention
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
01:21Cancer Survival Analysis
Cancer survival analysis focuses on quantifying and interpreting the time from a key starting point, such as diagnosis or the initiation of treatment, to a specific endpoint, such as remission or death. This analysis provides critical insights into treatment effectiveness and factors that influence patient outcomes, helping to shape clinical decisions and guide prognostic evaluations. A cornerstone of oncology research, survival analysis tackles the challenges of skewed, non-normally...
01:19Pigmentation
The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
01:29Bias in Epidemiological Studies
Biases can arise at various stages of research, from study design and data collection to analysis and interpretation. Recognizing and addressing these biases is essential to ensure the validity and reliability of epidemiological findings.Broadly speaking, biases in epidemiology fall into three main categories: selection bias, information bias, and confounding. A more detailed description of possible biases is: