title: Pigmentary characteristics, sun sensitivity and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
abstract: We report on pigmentary characteristics, sun sensitivity and some other possible risk factors for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in people 20-74 years of age. A statewide case-control study was conducted in New South Wales, Australia, with population-based sampling of cases (n = 704) and controls (n = 694). Risk of NHL was increased in subjects with hazel eyes (OR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.07-2.04), very fair skin (OR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.01-2.07) and poor ability to tan (OR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.06-2.71). Risk with mild facial freckling as a child (OR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.59-0.99) was reduced relative to that with no or moderate to severe freckling. Smokers were not at increased risk of NHL. A past history of treatment for skin cancer was associated with a slight nonsignificant increase in risk. Previous radiotherapy and chemotherapy were associated with 1.5- to 2-fold increases in risk but with wide confidence intervals. These results provide weak support for the possibility that sun sensitivity or perhaps sun exposure increases risk of NHL.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Ann Maree
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.forename: Bruce K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.forename: Claire M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Vajdic
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grulich
authors.forename: Lin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fritschi
authors.forename: Sam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Milliken
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kaldor
authors.forename: Geza
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Benke
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kricker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D012880:Skin Pigmentation; D012907:Smoking; D013472:Sunlight