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Change in Metabolic Markers and the Risk of Skin Cancer: Results from the Lifelines Cohort Study in the Netherlands

  • 0Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention : a Publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, Cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology +

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January 17, 2025

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January 17, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Metabolic changes like body mass index (BMI) and triglyceride levels impact skin cancer risk. Decreases in BMI, triglycerides, and waist-to-hip ratio are linked to lower skin cancer risk, while increased HbA1c may elevate it in younger individuals.

Area Of Science

  • Dermatology and Oncology
  • Metabolic Health Research
  • Epidemiology

Background

  • Skin cancers are a growing global health concern, particularly in Caucasian populations.
  • The interplay between metabolic factors, anthropometric measurements, and skin cancer development is not well understood.
  • This research investigates the association between metabolic and anthropometric changes and the risk of developing skin cancer.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To explore the relationship between metabolic and anthropometric changes and skin cancer incidence.
  • To identify specific metabolic and anthropometric markers associated with altered skin cancer risk.
  • To provide insights into non-sunlight-related risk factors for skin cancer.

Main Methods

  • A cohort of 97,106 participants from the Northern Netherlands without a prior history of skin cancer was analyzed.
  • Data on metabolic markers (e.g., BMI, triglycerides, HbA1c, waist-to-hip ratio) and histopathology-confirmed skin cancer incidence were collected over a 7-year period.
  • Adjusted Cox regression models were employed to assess the associations between changes in metabolic markers and skin cancer risk, including subtypes like melanoma.

Main Results

  • A total of 4,195 (4.3%) participants developed skin cancer.
  • Both decreases and increases in body mass index (BMI) were associated with a reduced risk of skin cancer (aHR 0.88 and 0.78, respectively).
  • Decreases in triglycerides and waist-to-hip ratio were linked to lower skin cancer risk (aHR 0.89 for both). An increase in Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was associated with higher risk in those under 45 (aHR 1.21).
  • Increased BMI correlated with a lower risk of melanoma (aHR 0.72).

Conclusions

  • Metabolic and anthropometric changes, including BMI, triglycerides, and waist-to-hip ratio, are significant factors influencing skin cancer risk.
  • Elevated HbA1c may increase skin cancer risk in younger individuals (<45 years).
  • These findings underscore the importance of metabolic health in skin cancer prevention and suggest further research into underlying biological mechanisms is warranted.

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