Common Melanocytic Nevi in 7-Year-Old Schoolchildren Residing at Different Latitudes in Sweden

Abstract

Background: Current epidemiologic research shows consistently that increased number of acquired common melanocytic nevi (CMN) is an important risk factor for cutaneous malignant melanoma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the number of CMN in relation to tanning habits and complexion among 7-year-old children residing at different latitudes in Sweden. Methods: Two municipalities were chosen at latitude 65°N to 68°N in the north of Sweden and two at latitude 57°N in the south. Children born in 1994 and registered in the municipalities were to be included (N = 1,676). A questionnaire was sent to their parents asking about the child's tanning habits. A body examination of CMN of size z2 mm was done by the same trained nurse in 1,380 (82.3%) of the children. Results: CMN was significantly less prevalent among children living in the north with a prevalence of 5.6

Are sunscreens luxury products?

“…However, several studies have shown that using sunscreen could in fact increase the incidence of melanoma and melanocytic nevus in adults and children, respectively, probably through failure to comply with sunscreen application recommendations. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Melanocytic nevus is a tumor related to sun exposure in childhood. The link between sunscreen application and melanocytic tumor development remains controversial.…”

Similar anatomical distributions of childhood naevi and cutaneous melanoma in young adults residing in northern and southern Sweden

“…Similarly, the cross-sectional data on naevi allocation among children were population-based and had a high rate of participation. Further, they were inland and coastal based ensuring representative of the geographic regions set to be surveyed as both naevi and melanoma rates increase with coastline location [8,41].…”

“…The study was part of a project investigating sun exposure patterns, travelling, parental sun protective regimens and number of naevi among children in Sweden [8,14]. The present study comprised all 7-year-olds (born 1994) residing in either of two municipalities in northern Sweden at 68°N (inland) and 65°N (coast) and southern Sweden at 57°N (inland) and 57°N (coast).…”

“…Melanoma incidence in Sweden is lower in the north and highest along the south-west coastline. Likewisely, the numbers of naevi among adults living close to the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden are comparatively low [6,7] and a population-based study performed by our research group among 7-year-old school children in 2001/2002 demonstrated a distinct north-south gradient with a significantly lower density of naevi among children in northern Sweden [8].…”

Parents' attitudes related to melanocytic nevus count in children

“…This factor has not been fully explored, but it has been reported that more the parents liked outdoor tanning, the higher the number of MN presented by their children (Rodvall et al, 2007). Similarly, the MN count in children rose in proportion to the amount of time their parents spent in the sun on a holiday.…”