DIET AND RISK OF CUTANEOUS MALIGNANT-MELANOMA - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY OF 50,757 NORWEGIAN MEN AND WOMEN

The relationship between dietary habits and subsequent risk of cutaneo us malignant melanoma (CMM) was studied in 25,708 men and 25,049 women aged 16-56 years attending a Norwegian health screening in 1977-1983. Linkage to the Cancer Registry of Norway and the Central Bureau of St atistics of Norway ensured a complete follow-up until December 31, 199 2. Diet was recorded through a semi-quantitative food-frequency questi onnaire at the time of screening, and 108 cases of CMM were identified during follow-up. Use of cod liver oil supplementation and intake of polyunsaturated fat were associated with significant increased risk an d drinking coffee with significant decreased risk of CMM in women. Adj usting for height, body mass index, body surface area, education, smel ting or occupational or recreational physical activity did not change the results. No significant association was found between the incidenc e of CMM and any of the dietary factors in men, Important aspects are residual confounding by sun exposure and social class, as well as conc ern with multiple comparisons. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.