INFORM: IdeNtification of risk FactORs in Melanoma incidence
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Identification of potential risk factors leading to regional differences in melanoma incidence throughout Hywel Dda University Health Board (Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion).
IRAS ID
161135
Contact name
Girish K Patel
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hywel Dda University Health Board
Research summary
The number of people with of malignant melanoma in the UK has risen 400% in the last 40 years and now Wales has the highest incidence of melanoma per population in the UK. Added to which, mortality after melanoma diagnosis in Wales is among the worst in Europe. Our Hywel Dda University Health Board audit shows that there has been an 81% increase in melanoma in the health board over the last 4 years. Notably four regions in the health board (Llanelli, Bury Port, Kidwely and Ammanford), based on postcodes, demonstrate greater than two-fold incidence above the national rate of melanoma based on relative population size.
The primary aim of the study will be to validate the regional differences in the melanoma incidence and to identify what potential risk factors, such as environmental and genetic factors, are causing this geographical variation in melanoma incidence in Hywel Dda University Health Board. Based on this we can look to develop effective prevention strategies.
All patients diagnosed with malignant melanoma in Hywel Dda University Health Board identified by Cancer Network Information System Cymru (CANISC) since 2009 (approximately 379 patients), who are deemed still alive by checking the hospital (Myrddin) database, will be contacted by letter to participate and sent a Patient Information Sheet. Upon receipt of written consent, the patients’ address will be used to create an accurate map of melanoma diagnoses using the map generating software in Carmarthen council. This will be used to determine if a correlation exists with the location of sun tanning salons. A sample of skin, from previous surgery pathology samples, will undergo testing to determine whether specific genetic changes in the melanoma likewise demonstrate clustering in the Hywel Dda population.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
14/NS/1049
Date of REC Opinion
5 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion