BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic evidence supporting sunscreen for melanoma prevention is limited to one small trial; case-control studies report conflicting results. Sunscreen usage patterns or alternative sun protection methods have rarely been studied in relation to melanoma. METHODS: In a population-based case-control study, participants (1,167 cases; 1,101 controls) reported for each decade year of age outdoor activity-related sunscreen use, sunscreen patterns (SPF15+, amount, skin coverage, reapplication, routine use), and use of other sun protection methods (like hats, long-sleeved shirts, staying in the shade). Scores were averaged across activities and/or decades; scores in the most recent two decades were used to classify individuals as non-, inconsistent- or optimal users. Adjusted mean score differences between cases and controls, and ORs and 95% CIs for melanoma among optimal-, inconsistent- versus nonusers were calculated. RESULTS: Mean scores for sunscreen, sunscreen patterns or other sun protection methods were low, but higher among controls than cases for SPF15+ sunscreen (P = 0.03) and other sun protection methods (P = 0.006). Adjusted ORs for optimal use of sunscreen and most sunscreen patterns were null or relatively weak, except for routine sunscreen (adjusted OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.23-0.86). Optimal use of other sun protection methods was inversely associated with melanoma (adjusted OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.44-0.78). CONCLUSIONS: Optimal use of routine sunscreen or other sun protection methods were most strongly associated with decreased melanoma risk; results are limited by the small number of subjects who used sunscreen routinely and lack of specificity regarding other sun protection methods. IMPACT: Both improving sunscreen practices and encouraging sun avoidance strategies may be important for melanoma prevention.
BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic evidence supporting sunscreen for melanoma prevention is limited to one small trial; case-control studies report conflicting results. Sunscreen usage patterns or alternative sun protection methods have rarely been studied in relation to melanoma. METHODS: In a population-based case-control study, participants (1,167 cases; 1,101 controls) reported for each decade year of age outdoor activity-related sunscreen use, sunscreen patterns (SPF15+, amount, skin coverage, reapplication, routine use), and use of other sun protection methods (like hats, long-sleeved shirts, staying in the shade). Scores were averaged across activities and/or decades; scores in the most recent two decades were used to classify individuals as non-, inconsistent- or optimal users. Adjusted mean score differences between cases and controls, and ORs and 95% CIs for melanoma among optimal-, inconsistent- versus nonusers were calculated. RESULTS: Mean scores for sunscreen, sunscreen patterns or other sun protection methods were low, but higher among controls than cases for SPF15+ sunscreen (P = 0.03) and other sun protection methods (P = 0.006). Adjusted ORs for optimal use of sunscreen and most sunscreen patterns were null or relatively weak, except for routine sunscreen (adjusted OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.23-0.86). Optimal use of other sun protection methods was inversely associated with melanoma (adjusted OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.44-0.78). CONCLUSIONS: Optimal use of routine sunscreen or other sun protection methods were most strongly associated with decreased melanoma risk; results are limited by the small number of subjects who used sunscreen routinely and lack of specificity regarding other sun protection methods. IMPACT: Both improving sunscreen practices and encouraging sun avoidance strategies may be important for melanoma prevention.
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Authors: M A Weinstock; G A Colditz; W C Willett; M J Stampfer; B R Bronstein; M C Mihm; F E Speizer Journal: Am J Epidemiol Date: 1991-09-01 Impact factor: 4.897
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Authors: Lori A Crane; Nancy L Asdigian; Anna E Barón; Jenny Aalborg; Alfred C Marcus; Stefan T Mokrohisky; Tim E Byers; Robert P Dellavalle; Joseph G Morelli Journal: Am J Prev Med Date: 2012-10 Impact factor: 5.043
Authors: Frank M Perna; Laura A Dwyer; Gina Tesauro; Jennifer M Taber; Wynne E Norton; Anne M Hartman; Alan C Geller Journal: JAMA Dermatol Date: 2017-05-01 Impact factor: 10.282