METHODS. A case- control study was conducted within the framework of the Italian Group for Epidemiologic Research in Dermatology (GISED). Twenty-seven centers in the north and south of Italy participated. A total of 542 cases and 538 controls were entered onto the study. A standardized questionnaire was administered to cases and controls. Cases and controls also were examined by trained dermatologists who were required to count the number of melanocytic nevi (those measuring greater than or equal to 2 mm and > 6 mm in greatest dimension, separately) and to make judgments regarding pigmentary traits.

RESULTS. In the multivariate analysis, eye and skin color, propensity to sunburn, history of sunburns before age 15 years, and solar lentigines all were associated with malignant melanoma. In addition, the risk of melanoma increased with the number of melanocytic nevi greater than or equal to 2 mm. Nevi > 6 mm in greatest dimension had effects on risk that appeared to be independent from the effects of smaller nevi (2-6 mm).

CONCLUSIONS. The results of the current study largely are similar to those obtained in northern European countries, the U.S., and Australia and provide further evidence of the importance of selected pigmentary traits, sun exposure, and the number of melanocytic nevi in the risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma. (C) 2000 American Cancer Society.