UV exposure and melanoma prognostic factors : results from Clinical National Melanoma Registry (CNMR)

Abstract

Results From December 2010, we retrieved information from 3299 melanoma patients from 39 IMI (Intergruppo Melanoma Italiano) sites geographically representative. 40% of the patients are over 60 years old, 52% are men, 49% live in the north of Italy and 56% are at high educational level (at least high school). 8% of the patients have melanoma familiarity and 55% have fair phenotype (Fitzpatrick skintype I or II). 2% have metastases and 11% lymph-node involvement. 8% have very thick melanoma (Breslow>4 mm) and 21% ulcerated melanoma. Holidays in the sun five years before CM diagnosis, among non-metastatic patients, were significantly associated with lower Breslow thickness (p=0.003), after multiple adjustment including socio-demographic status, degree of doctor making the diagnosis and residence. Sunbed exposure is not significantly associated with Breslow thickness.