Summary
Background. While family history is a well-established risk factor for cutaneous melanoma, potential familial associations with other malignancies remain less defined. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of non-skin cancers in the personal and familial histories of melanoma patients, comparing those with features suggestive of hereditary melanoma against those without.
Material and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Vilnius University Santara Clinics between February and July 2024. Data were collected using an original anonymous questionnaire designed to assess melanoma diagnosis characteristics and cancer histories in patients and first-degree relatives (FDRs). Patients were categorised into a melanoma with hereditary traits (MHT) group (onset <40 years, multiple primary tumours, or ≥2 affected relatives) and a melanoma without hereditary traits (MWHT) group. Statistical analyses included Pearson's chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Mann–Whitney U-tests (p<0.05).
Results. The cohort of 153 patients (32% male; 35 MHT, 118 MWHT; median age 55) revealed a 16.3% prevalence of personal non-skin cancers and 45.1% in FDRs, with prostate cancer being most prevalent in both categories. MHT females showed a significantly higher prevalence of breast cancer compared to MWHT females (11.5% vs. 1.3%; p<0.05). Additionally prostate cancer was significantly more frequent in the FDRs of MHT patients compared to MWHT patients (20% vs. 5.9%; p<0.05).
Conclusions. Melanoma patients exhibiting hereditary features demonstrated higher rates of personal breast cancer and familial prostate cancer. These findings underscore the role of thorough family history assessments in identifying candidates eligible for genetic counselling.
