The association of host and genetic melanoma risk factors with B reslow thickness in the W estern A ustralian M elanoma H ealth S tudy

Summary Background Breslow thickness is the most important predictor of survival in localized malignant melanoma. A number of melanoma risk factors have been shown to be associated with B reslow thickness; however, the role of genetic loci has been little investigated to date. Objectives To investigate the association of known melanoma susceptibility genetic loci with B reslow thickness. Methods Participants were 800 individuals from the W estern A ustralian M elanoma H ealth S tudy who completed a questionnaire and provided a DNA sample. Genetic association analyses between single‐nucleotide polymorphisms ( SNP s) from 15 candidate melanoma susceptibility genes and B reslow thickness were performed, controlling for relevant covariates. Results Older age at diagnosis and absence of naevi were associated with increased B reslow thickness. Following adjustment for multiple testing, no SNP s were significantly associated with B reslow thickness. Conclusions Associations observed between B reslow thickness and age and naevi reinforce current knowledge. Some evidence of shared genetic determinants between melanoma risk and B reslow thickness was found. Further studies are required to confirm this finding.