title: Meta-analysis of risk factors for cutaneous melanoma: III. Family history, actinic damage and phenotypic factors.
abstract: A systematic meta-analysis of observational studies of melanoma and family history, actinic damage and phenotypic factors was conducted as part of a comprehensive meta-analysis of all major risk factors for melanoma. Following a systematic literature search, relative risks were extracted from 60 studies published before September 2002. Fixed and random effects models were used to obtain pooled estimates for family history (RR = 1.74, 1.41-2.14), skin type (I vs. IV: RR = 2.09, 1.67-2.58), high density of freckles (RR = 2.10, 1.80-2.45), skin colour (Fair vs. Dark: RR = 2.06, 1.68-2.52), eye colour (Blue vs. Dark: RR = 1.47, 1.28-1.69) and hair colour (Red vs. Dark: RR = 3.64, 2.56-5.37), pre-malignant and skin cancer lesions (RR = 4.28, 2.80-6.55) and actinic damage indicators (RR = 2.02, 1.24-3.29). Sub-group analysis and meta-regression were carried out to explore sources of between-study variation and bias. Sensitivity analyses investigated reliability of results and publication bias. Latitude and adjustment for phenotype were two study characteristics that significantly influenced the estimates.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy. sara.gandini@ieo.it
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gandini
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sera
authors.forename: Maria Sofia
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Cattaruzza
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pasquini
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zanetti
authors.forename: Cinzia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Masini
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Boyle
authors.forename: Carmelo Francesco
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Melchi
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000235:genetics*; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D010375:Pedigree; D010641:Phenotype; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects