Principal Investigator: DeAnn Lazovich, Ph.D.

The Skin Health Study was initiated in 2004 to learn more about causes of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. The study will collect information about new and emerging risk factors, such as sun exposure, sun sensitivity, indoor tanning, sunscreen, statins, NSAIDs, vitamin supplements, and family history. The study will also assess genetic susceptibility in DNA repair capacity and whether that influences risk in combination with environmental exposures. Approximately 1150 cases (persons diagnosed with melanoma) and 1150 controls (persons without melanoma) from Minnesota are being recruited through March 2009. Cases are ascertained via the Minnesota Cancer Surveillance System at the Minnesota Department of Health and controls are selected from state drivers' license lists.