title: Melanoma epidemiology.
abstract: Melanoma is a complex, heterogeneous cancer that continues to increase in incidence. Multiple studies have consistently identified major host and environmental risk factors for melanoma. Nevi, particularly dysplastic nevi, confer much higher risks than most pigmentary characteristics. Ultraviolet radiation exposure is the predominant environmental risk factor for melanoma. Recently, both rare high risk susceptibility genes and common polymorphic genes contributing to melanoma risk have been identified.
authors.affiliation: Human Genetics Program, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, 6120 Executive Boulevard, Room 7122, Bethesda, MD 20892-7236, USA. tuckerp@mail.nih.gov
authors.forename: Margaret A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Tucker
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D052138:Genes, Neoplasm; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D014943:Global Health; D006200:Hair Color; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics; D008548:Melanosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics; D009506:Nevus / Q000453:epidemiology; D044469:Racial Groups; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics; D012880:Skin Pigmentation; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult