Use of topical sunscreens and the risk of malignant melanoma: a meta-analysis of 9067 patients from 11 case-control studies.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the methodology of epidemiological studies that suggest use of topical sunscreen preparations is associated with increased risk of malignant melanoma.


METHODS
We pooled data from observational studies using a general variance-based meta-analytic method that employed confidence intervals (previously described). The outcome of interest was a summary relative risk (RR) reflecting the risk of melanoma associated with sunscreen use versus nonuse. Sensitivity analyses were performed when necessary to explain any observed statistical heterogeneity.


RESULTS
Combining studies that used non-heterogeneous data yielded a summary RR of 1.01, indicating no association between sunscreen use and development of malignant melanoma.


CONCLUSIONS
The available epidemiological data do not support the existence of a relationship between topical sunscreen use and an increased risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma.
Huncharek
Michael
M
Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Clinical Oncology, Marshfield Clinic Cancer Center, Marshfield, WI, USA. metaresearch@hotmail.com
Kupelnick
Bruce
B
D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008545:Melanoma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
D013473:Sunscreening Agents