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Men have higher risk for ocular melanoma, study finds

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Men older than 60 have a higher risk of developing ocular melanoma than other segments of the population, according to a large study.

A review of the National Cancer Institute tumor registries in five states and four additional metropolitan areas — representing about 10% of the U.S. population — identified 206 new cases of ocular melanoma between 1973 and 1999. Of those cases, 94% were in white men and women. Among men older than 60, the incidence of ocular melanoma increased 295% during the study period. Among white women, the rates remained stable throughout the period.

Paul T. Finger, MD, of the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, attributed the difference in incidence to the trend for women to wear more sunglasses, sun visors and hats than men.

The study is published in the June issue of American Journal of Ophthalmology.