Association between sun-protective behaviors and family history of melanoma: Results from NHANES 2003 to 2004

Abstract

To the Editor: Family history is an important nonmodifiable risk factor for melanoma present in approximately 8% to 12% of melanoma diagnoses.1 These patients have a 1.7 fold increased risk for developing melanoma compared with patients without affected first-degree relatives.1 In contrast, sun exposure is a significant yet modifiable risk factor for melanoma, which can be reduced by practicing appropriate sun-protective behaviors (SPB).2 Despite the increased melanoma risk associated with a positive family history, there have been limited population-based studies to assess how family history interplays with the propensity for SPB in at-risk individuals.