Seasonal variation in melanoma deaths and the pattern of disease process. A preliminary report

Chronobiologia. 1989 Jul-Sep;16(3):257-63.

Abstract

Seasonality is reported in deaths from malignant melanoma in patients over 50 years of age. In a series of 75 cases, male deaths occurred more often in June-November, while female patients died mainly in October-March. About a third of the patients died of cerebral complications, and these were significantly more common in March-August. The results are discussed on the basis of local and systemic effects of sunlight together with possible hormonal influences.

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary
  • Epidemiologic Methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / etiology
  • Melanoma / mortality*
  • Melanoma / secondary
  • Middle Aged
  • Norway
  • Seasons*
  • Sex Factors
  • Skin Neoplasms / mortality
  • Sunlight / adverse effects