A meta-analysis of pigmentary characteristics, sun sensitivity, freckling and melanocytic nevi and risk of basal cell carcinoma of the skin

M Khalesi; D C Whiteman; B Tran; Michael G Kimlin; C M Olsen; R E Neale

doi:10.1016/j.canep.2013.05.008

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A meta-analysis of pigmentary characteristics, sun sensitivity, freckling and melanocytic nevi and risk of basal cell carcinoma of the skin

Journal article

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A meta-analysis of pigmentary characteristics, sun sensitivity, freckling and melanocytic nevi and risk of basal cell carcinoma of the skin

M Khalesi, D C Whiteman, B Tran, Michael G Kimlin, C M Olsen and R E Neale

Cancer Epidemiology, Vol.37(5), pp.534-543

2013

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.canep.2013.05.008

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Abstract

basal cell carcinoma

pigmentary

meta-analysis

melanocytic nevi

tanning

burning

freckling

hair colour

eye colour

skin colour

Objective: To calculate pooled risk estimates of the association between pigmentary characteristics and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin. Methods: We searched three electronic databases and reviewed the reference lists of the retrieved articles until July 2012 to identify eligible epidemiologic studies. Eligible studies were those published in between 1965 and July 2012 that permitted quantitative assessment of the association between histologically-confirmed BCC and any of the following characteristics: hair colour, eye colour, skin colour, skin phototype, tanning and burning ability, and presence of freckling or melanocytic nevi. We included 29 studies from 2236 initially identified. We calculated summary odds ratios (ORs) using weighted averages of the log OR, using random effects models. Results: We found strongest associations with red hair (OR 2.02; 95% CI: 1.68, 2.44), fair skin colour (OR 2.11; 95% CI: 1.56, 2.86), and having skin that burns and never tans (OR 2.03; 95% CI: 1.73, 2.38). All other factors had weaker but positive associations with BCC, with the exception of freckling of the face in adulthood which showed no association. Conclusions: Although most studies report risk estimates that are in the same direction, there is significant heterogeneity in the size of the estimates. The associations were quite modest and remarkably similar, with ORs between about 1.5 and 2.5 for the highest risk level for each factor. Given the public health impact of BCC, this meta-analysis will make a valuable contribution to our understanding of BCC. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Details

Title: A meta-analysis of pigmentary characteristics, sun sensitivity, freckling and melanocytic nevi and risk of basal cell carcinoma of the skin
Authors: M Khalesi (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
D C Whiteman (Author) - Queensland Institute of Medical Research
B Tran (Author) - Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Michael G Kimlin (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
C M Olsen (Author) - Queensland Institute of Medical Research
R E Neale (Author) - Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Publication details: Cancer Epidemiology, Vol.37(5), pp.534-543
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.
Date published: 2013
DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2013.05.008
ISSN: 1877-7821
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449502602621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Oncology; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

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