Reproductive factors, oral contraceptives and risk of malignant melanoma: Western Canada Melanoma Study

• Published in: British journal of cancer Vol. 52; no. 6; pp. 901 - 907
• Main Authors: GALLAGHER, R. P, ELWOOD, J. M, HILL, G. B, COLDMAN, A. J, THRELFALL, W. J, SPINELLI, J. J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basingstoke Nature Publishing Group 01-12-1985
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Canada; Contraceptives, Oral - adverse effects; Dermatology; Educational Status; Female; Humans; Maternal Age; Medical sciences; Melanoma - etiology; Menarche; Middle Aged; Ovariectomy; Parity; Reproduction; Risk; Skin Neoplasms - etiology; Skin Pigmentation; Tumors of the skin and soft tissue. Premalignant lesions; Canada; canada; Human; Skin disease; Oral administration; North America; Epidemiology; Canada; Estroprogestagen; America; Risk factor; Malignant melanoma; Tumor; Contraceptive; Skin; Comparative Studies; Measurement; Americas; Body Weight; Age Factors; Contraceptive Agents; Anthropometry; Menopause; Menarche; Biology; Educational Status; Dermatological Effects > etiology; Hormones; Research Methodology; Neoplasms; Parental Age; Reproduction; Estrogens > side effects; Maternal Age; Fertility Measurements; Population Characteristics; Population; Physiology; Parity; Contraceptive Agents, Female; Menstruation; Oral Contraceptives > side effects; Population At Risk; Reproductive Control Agents; Contraception; Contraceptive Methods > side effects; Control Groups; Family Planning; Marital Status; Endocrine System; Diseases; Studies; Nuptiality; Northern America; Developed Countries; Developing Countries; Cancer
• ISSN: 0007-0920; 1532-1827
• DOI: 10.1038/bjc.1985.275

A study of 361 female melanoma patients and age matched controls was conducted in the four western provinces of Canada. Analysis of reproductive factors showed a significant negative association between number of livebirths and risk of melanoma. The relationship persisted for superficial spreading melanomas after adjustment for host pigmentation factors, freckling, and educational status. An inverse association between bilateral oophorectomy and risk of superficial spreading melanoma was also seen. No association was found between risk of melanoma and age at first birth, age at menarche and age at natural menopause. No association was found between risk of superficial spreading or nodular melanoma and use of either oral contraceptives or menopausal oestrogens.