Family history of skin cancer is associated with early-onset basal cell carcinoma independent of MC1R genotype.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

As a marker of genetic susceptibility and shared lifestyle characteristics, family history of cancer is often used to evaluate an individual's risk for developing a particular malignancy. With comprehensive data on pigment characteristics, lifestyle factors, and melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene sequence, we sought to clarify the role of family history of skin cancer in early-onset basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Early onset BCC cases (n=376) and controls with benign skin conditions (n=383) under age 40 were identified through Yale dermatopathology. Self-report data on family history of skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer), including age of onset in relatives, was available from a structured interview. Participants also provided saliva samples for sequencing of MC1R.

RESULTS:

A family history of skin cancer was associated with an increased risk of early-onset BCC (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.80-3.45). In multivariate models, family history remained a strong risk factor for early-onset BCC after adjustment for pigment characteristics, UV exposure, and MC1R genotype (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.74-3.35).

CONCLUSIONS:

Risk for BCC varied based upon the type and age of onset of skin cancer among affected relatives; individuals with a first-degree relative diagnosed with skin cancer prior to age 50 were at highest risk for BCC (OR 4.79, 95% CI 2.90-7.90). Even after taking into account potential confounding effects of MC1R genotype and various lifestyle factors that close relatives may share, family history of skin cancer remained strongly associated with early-onset BCC.

• Authors: Nicholas L Berlin, Brenda Cartmel, David J Leffell, Allen E Bale, Susan T Mayne, Leah M Ferrucci
• Journal: Cancer epidemiology (Cancer Epidemiol) Vol. 39 Issue 6 Pg. 1078-83 (Dec 2015) ISSN: 1877-783X [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 26381319 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Chemical References

• Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 1

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Carcinoma, Basal Cell (genetics)
• Case-Control Studies
• Female
• Genetic Predisposition to Disease (genetics)
• Genotype
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 1 (genetics)
• Risk Factors
• Skin Neoplasms (genetics)