Seasonal variation in melanoma deaths and the pattern of disease process. A preliminary report

Seasonality is reported in deaths from malignant melanoma in patients over 50 years of age. In a series of 75 cases, male deaths occurred more often in June-November, while female patients died mainly in October-March. About a third of the patients died of cerebral complications, and these were significantly more common in March-August. The results are discussed on the basis of local and systemic effects of sunlight together with possible hormonal influences.