Exposure to ultraviolet radiation and risk of malignant lymphoma and multiple myeloma--a multicentre European case-control study.
BACKGROUND
Three recent studies have reported a decreased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) for high ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure.


METHODS
We conducted a multicentre case-control study during 1998-2004 in France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Spain, comprising 1518 cases of NHL, 268 cases of Hodgkin lymphoma, 242 cases of multiple myeloma and 2124 population or hospital controls. We collected information on sensitivity to sun and personal exposure to UV radiation in childhood and adulthood via interview, and assessed occupational exposure to UV radiation from the occupational history.


RESULTS
The risk of Hodgkin and NHL was increased for increasing skin sensitivity to the sun [odds ratio (OR) for no suntan vs very brown 2.35, 95% CI 0.94-5.87 and 1.39, 95% CI 1.03-1.87, respectively]. The risk of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was reduced for increasing adult personal (OR for highest vs lowest quartile of exposure in free days 0.62, 95% CI 0.44-0.87) and for occupational exposure to UV radiation (OR for highest vs lowest exposure tertile 0.63, 95% CI 0.37-1.04). The risk of multiple myeloma was increased for personal exposure to UV radiation during adulthood (OR for highest vs lowest quartile of exposure in free days 1.49, 95% CI 0.88-2.50). A protective effect was observed for use of sun lamps for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (OR for 25+ times vs never 0.63, 95% CI 0.38-1.03).


CONCLUSIONS
The hypothesis of a protective effect of UV radiation on lymphoma is supported by our results. The underlying mechanisms might differ from those operating in skin carcinogenesis. The increased risk of multiple myeloma is worth replication.
International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France. boffetta@iarc.fr
Paolo
P
Boffetta
Olga
O
van der Hel
Anne
A
Kricker
Alexandra
A
Nieters
Silvia
S
de Sanjosé
Marc
M
Maynadié
Pier Luigi
PL
Cocco
Anthony
A
Staines
Nikolaus
N
Becker
Rebecca
R
Font
Andrea 't
A'
Mannetje
Chris
C
Goumas
Paul
P
Brennan
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005060:Europe; D006689:Hodgkin Disease / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016403:Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / Q000517:prevention & control; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000209:etiology; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000209:etiology*; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012306:Risk; D012880:Skin Pigmentation; D013471:Sunburn / Q000150:complications; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*; D044465:White People