[Melanoma, altitude, and UV-B radiation]

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Dermatology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a primary modifiable risk factor for cutaneous melanoma.
• High-altitude regions, such as the Spanish province of Granada, experience elevated UV-B radiation doses.
• Understanding the relationship between altitude, UV exposure, and melanoma is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between living at higher altitudes and the prevalence of cutaneous melanoma.
• To quantify the daily erythemal UV dose at various altitudes in Granada.
• To identify altitude thresholds associated with increased melanoma risk.

Main Methods:

• An epidemiological study analyzed melanoma prevalence in Granada residents from 1982 to 2007.
• Melanoma prevalence was calculated across 100-meter altitude intervals.
• Daily erythemal UV-B doses were measured at distinct altitudes (0, 680, 1200, 3398 m) during the VELETA 2002 campaign.

Main Results:

• The highest melanoma prevalence (2.36 cases/1000 inhabitants) was observed between 1400 and 1499 meters above sea level.
• Daily erythemal UV dose increased exponentially with altitude above 700 meters.
• A clear trend of increasing melanoma prevalence with higher altitudes was noted.

Conclusions:

• Higher altitudes are associated with a tendency towards increased cutaneous melanoma prevalence.
• Elevated UV radiation exposure at altitudes above 700 meters likely contributes to this observed trend.
• Public health strategies should consider high-altitude populations as a vulnerable group for melanoma prevention.