Modification of second cancer risk after malignant melanoma by parental history of cancer
2008

Parental Cancer History and Second Cancer Risk in Melanoma Patients

Sample size: 15581 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Zhang H, Bermejo J Lorenzo, Sundquist J, Hemminki K

Primary Institution: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)

Hypothesis

Does a parental history of cancer modify the risk of developing second cancers in melanoma patients?

Conclusion

Melanoma patients with a parental history of cancer have a significantly increased risk of developing second primary melanomas.

Supporting Evidence

  • Melanoma patients with a parental history of melanoma showed a 32.3-fold risk of second primary melanomas.
  • An increased risk of second cancer was observed for breast, prostate, and skin cancers.
  • The study identified 1156 individuals who developed a subsequent cancer.

Takeaway

If your parents had cancer, you might have a higher chance of getting another type of cancer if you have melanoma.

Methodology

The study used the Swedish Family-Cancer Database to analyze the incidence of second tumors in melanoma patients with a parental history of cancer.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from the reliance on self-reported parental cancer history.

Limitations

The study is retrospective and relies on historical data, which may not capture all relevant factors.

Participant Demographics

Individuals diagnosed with malignant melanoma before the age of 73 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.03

Confidence Interval

95% CI 1.06 to 2.03

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6604489

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