The relationship between diet and melanoma in Arizona.

Abstract

Dietary intake for 261 cutaneous malignant melanoma cases were compared with 612 controls. Cases and controls were 18 to 80 years old at the time of the study. Cases were recruited from Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise, Arizona from December 1989 to January 1992. Controls were selected from the general population using the random digit dialing method from the same neighborhoods of cases at the same time period. Average weekly consumption of 114 food items, during the year preceding the study, was estimated using semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Food groups that may relate to melanoma were created and examined. Unconditional logistic regression models revealed a positive trend toward increased risk of malignant melanoma with increased consumption of total meat, red meat, baked or broiled chicken and fish in males. Male cases also consumed more cruciferous vegetables, string beans, carrots, and broccoli than controls. Moderate alcohol intake was associated with increased risk of melanoma in males and females. No significant difference was observed for the consumption of pies, cakes, or foods rich in polyunsaturated fat. The characteristic diet shown for males, in this study, was not related to vitamin intake or the time period between diagnosis and enrollment into the study. No food items or groups could be concluded to be related to melanoma in this study, however, changing life style and dietary pattern prior to diagnosis of melanoma or true distinct dietary patterns between male and female cases may explain the observed results.