Effects of sex on naevus body distribution and melanoma risk in two melanoma case-control studies at different latitudes

Naevus count is the most predictable phenotypic risk factor for melanoma and is mainly influenced by genetic factors1,2,3. Melanoma disparities according to gender have been reported in many studies in term of body distribution, survival and to a lesser extent incidence1,2. It is well established that women are more likely to get melanoma on the lower limbs, whilst men are more prone to melanoma on the trunk. In this study, we explore the effects of gender on the distribution of naevi on the body in melanoma cases and controls from different latitudes and whether the odds ratios for melanoma associated with naevi at different body sites are affected by gender. Two case control studies are compared, one in the UK and the other in Australia using the same protocol for naevus counts and the same examiner1,2. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.