Combined risk factors for melanoma in a Mediterranean population

A case-control study of non-familial melanoma including 183 incident cases and 179 controls was conducted in North-Eastern Italy to identify important risk factors and determine how combination of these affects risk in a Medi terranean population. Presence of dysplastic nevi (OR = 4.2, 95% Cl = 2.4-7 .4), low propensity to tan (OR = 2.4, 95% Cl = 1.1 -5.0), light eye (OR = 2 .4, 95% Cl = 1.1-5.2), and light skin colour (OR = 4.1, 95% Cl = 1.4-12.1) were significantly associated with melanoma risk after adjustment for age, gender and pigmentation characteristics. A chart which identifies melanoma risk associated with combinations of these factors is presented; it can be used to identify subjects who would most benefit from preventive measures i n Mediterranean populations. According to the combination of these factors, a relative risk range from 1 to 98.5 was found. Light skin colour, high nu mber of sunburns with blistering, and low propensity to tan were significan tly associated with melanoma thickness, possibly indicating that individual s with these characteristics underestimate their risk and seek attention wh en their lesion is already advanced. (C) 2001 Cancer Research Campaign.