Malignant Melanoma Incidence and Association with Arsenic

The aetiology of malignant melanoma is not wholly explained by exposure to sunshine. The present of arsenic in the soil has been suggested as a possible causative factor. Geographical clustering of malignant melanoma cases in the South Western Region is demonstrated for males and this clustering is associated with the distribution of arsenic in the soil. No evidence of geographical clustering is however found for females. This suggests possible sex-specific differences in the aetiology of malignant melanoma and indicates the need for further study of the association with arsenic.