THE INCIDENCE of cutaneous melanoma, varies significantly between males and females, but it remains unclear whether these differences have persisted over time and across generations. A study analysing melanoma data from 1982–2018 across populations in Queensland, Australia, the United States, and Scotland explored these trends. The research examined how melanoma incidence differed by age, sex, and body site, with a focus on the influence of sun exposure and other potential factors.
The study found notable differences in melanoma distribution between male and female participants. Among males, melanoma was most frequently found on the trunk, whereas in females, the highest incidence historically occurred on the lower limbs, although recent years have shown an increase in truncal melanomas among females. The incidence rate ratio showed a higher rate of lower limb melanomas in females across most age groups in all populations. In contrast, males displayed a greater incidence of melanoma on the trunk and head/neck areas, which increased with age.
Birth cohort analysis revealed turning points in melanoma incidence that varied by population and site, suggesting that changing patterns of UV exposure and potential biological differences between sexes play a role. These patterns were consistent across different populations, indicating that both sun exposure and innate biological differences contribute to melanoma development.
The study also highlighted the influence of factors such as UV exposure, with males historically having higher outdoor exposure due to gender-based occupational and recreational patterns. However, genetic and environmental factors acting on melanocytes in a site-specific manner could also be at play.
While recent studies such as this have shown that melanoma incidence shows complex yet consistent differences between males and females, particularly with regard to the body site affected, these findings suggest the need for future research into biological and environmental factors contributing to melanoma risk, particularly to improve prevention strategies.
Katie Wright, EMJ
Reference
Olsen CM et al. Does sex matter? temporal analyses of melanoma trends among men and women suggest etiologic heterogeneity. J Invest Dermatol. 2024;DOI:10.1016/j.jid.2024.05.011.
