Meta-analysis of risk factors for cutaneous melanoma: III. Family history, actinic damage and phenotypic factors

Abstract 

A systematic meta-analysis of observational studies of melanoma and family history, actinic damage and phenotypic factors was conducted as part of a comprehensive meta-analysis of all major risk factors for melanoma. Following a systematic literature search, relative risks were extracted from 60 studies published before September 2002. Fixed and random effects models were used to obtain pooled estimates for family history (RR=1.74, 1.41–2.14), skin type (I vs. IV: RR=2.09, 1.67–2.58), high density of freckles (RR=2.10, 1.80–2.45), skin colour (Fair vs. Dark: RR=2.06, 1.68–2.52), eye colour (Blue vs. Dark: RR=1.47, 1.28–1.69) and hair colour (Red vs. Dark: RR=3.64, 2.56–5.37), pre-malignant and skin cancer lesions (RR=4.28, 2.80–6.55) and actinic damage indicators (RR=2.02, 1.24–3.29). Sub-group analysis and meta-regression were carried out to explore sources of between-study variation and bias. Sensitivity analyses investigated reliability of results and publication bias. Latitude and adjustment for phenotype were two study characteristics that significantly influenced the estimates.

Keywords: Melanoma, Meta-analysis, Epidemiology, Review literature, Phenotype, Family history, Actinic damage