Dappled sunlight casts face-like shadows on a person, with a butterfly symbolizing mental health.

Is There a Link Between Your Mental State and Melanoma Risk?

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Exploring the Connection Between Depression, Personality Traits, and Skin Cancer"

Malignant melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, affects millions worldwide. While factors like UV radiation, family history, and weakened immune systems are well-known contributors, emerging research explores the potential role of psychological factors.

A recent study published in 'Melanoma Research' investigates the connection between depression, personality traits, and melanoma risk among Greek patients. The study highlights how mental and emotional well-being might influence the development and progression of this disease.

This article will delve into the findings of this research, examining how depression and specific personality traits could be associated with an increased risk of melanoma. Understanding these potential links can help individuals take proactive steps towards prevention and overall well-being.

Decoding the Study: Depression, Personality, and Melanoma

Dappled sunlight casts face-like shadows on a person, with a butterfly symbolizing mental health.

The study, led by Helen J. Gogas and colleagues, involved 106 melanoma patients and 106 sex-matched controls in Greece. Participants were interviewed about their medical history, lifestyle, sociodemographic factors, and any history of major depression. The Eysenck Personality Questionnaire was used to assess four personality dimensions: extraversion, neuroticism, psychoticism, and tendency to lie.

The researchers used logistic regression analyses to determine the odds ratios (ORs) for melanoma risk, adjusting for various factors. Cox proportional hazards models were used to explore potential predictors of survival. Here’s a breakdown of the key findings:

Sun Sensitivity: Individuals with higher sun sensitivity scores had a significantly increased risk of melanoma [OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.16-2.06].
Major Depression History: A history of major depression was strongly associated with melanoma risk [OR: 5.72, 95% CI: 1.38-23.73].
Extraversion: Lower levels of extraversion were linked to a higher risk of melanoma [OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83-0.97].
Psychoticism: Lower psychoticism scores were also associated with increased melanoma risk [OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.78-1.00].

Interestingly, these associations were more pronounced among female participants. Decreased extraversion [OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.76-0.98] and psychoticism scores [OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.43-0.91], along with a history of depression [OR: 10.69, 95% CI: 1.43-80.03], were evident in women. The study found no significant associations between depression history, personality, and disease outcome.

Taking Charge of Your Health: What You Can Do

While this study highlights potential links between mental health and melanoma risk, it's essential to remember that melanoma development is multi-faceted. If you're concerned about your risk, focus on these proactive strategies: Limit UV exposure, Practice sun-safe behavior, Perform regular skin self-exams, and seek professional help when dealing with depression.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the main focus of the research on melanoma discussed?

The primary focus of the research, as published in 'Melanoma Research', is to investigate the connection between depression, specific personality traits, and the risk of developing malignant melanoma. The study, conducted on Greek patients, aims to understand how mental and emotional well-being may influence the onset and progression of this form of skin cancer. This exploration seeks to identify potential links between psychological factors and melanoma risk, beyond established contributors like UV radiation and family history. The research also considers the impact of various factors on melanoma survival rates, although no significant associations were found in this area of the study.

How did the study evaluate the relationship between personality traits and melanoma risk?

The study, led by Helen J. Gogas and colleagues, employed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire to assess four key personality dimensions: extraversion, neuroticism, psychoticism, and the tendency to lie. The researchers used logistic regression analyses to determine the odds ratios (ORs) for melanoma risk. They found that lower levels of extraversion and psychoticism were linked to a higher risk of melanoma. The study's findings underscore the potential influence of personality characteristics on skin cancer risk, suggesting that certain personality profiles might be associated with an increased susceptibility to melanoma. For women, this association was even more pronounced, with lower extraversion and psychoticism scores being evident.

What were the key findings regarding the link between depression and melanoma?

A significant finding from the study was the strong association between a history of major depression and an increased risk of melanoma. The study revealed that individuals with a history of major depression had a notably higher risk of developing the disease. This correlation underscores the potential role of mental health in melanoma risk. Interestingly, the association between depression and melanoma risk was particularly pronounced among female participants, highlighting a gender-specific aspect of this relationship.

What proactive steps can someone take to mitigate their risk of melanoma, based on the research?

While the study points to potential links between mental health and melanoma risk, it is essential to understand that melanoma development is multifactorial. The research highlights the importance of proactive strategies, including limiting UV exposure, practicing sun-safe behaviors, performing regular skin self-exams, and seeking professional help when dealing with depression. By addressing these aspects, individuals can take steps to manage their overall health and potentially reduce their risk of melanoma, considering both physical and mental well-being.

How did the study's findings differ between men and women concerning depression and personality traits?

The study found that the associations between mental health, personality traits, and melanoma risk were more pronounced among female participants. Specifically, decreased extraversion and psychoticism scores, along with a history of depression, were more evident in women with melanoma. These findings suggest a gender-specific dimension to the relationship between psychological factors and skin cancer risk. The study's results emphasize the importance of considering gender-specific factors when evaluating the potential links between mental and emotional well-being and melanoma development.