Melanoma, prostate link

IN a blow to men who have had melanoma, a study has found survivors of the deadly skin cancer have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Researchers at Cancer Council NSW looked at all prostate cancer and melanoma diagnoses between 1972 and 2008.

In total, there were nearly 144,000 men diagnosed with either cancer over the study period. Of the men first diagnosed with melanoma, 2114 were subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“This means that men with a previous diagnosis of melanoma are at a 25 per cent increased risk of a prostate cancer diagnosis,” lead researcher Dr Visalini NairShalliker said.

The study supports emerging evidence that too much exposure to harmful UV is also a risk factor for prostate cancer, not just melanoma, Dr Nair-Shalliker said.

“Our results suggest that sun exposure may also play a role in prostate cancer, and that protecting yourself from the sun is therefore all the more important,” he said.

More frequent trips to the doctor as a result of the initial melanoma diagnosis could also influence the increased risk, he noted.

“Men with a previous melanoma diagnosis are more likely to have more regular interactions with their GP and therefore may be more vigilant about their health.”