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Purpose The purpose of this study is to describe the epidemiology of melanoma among Hispanics using data that cover nearly 100% of the United States (US) population. Methods The study used population-based cancer incidence data from the National Program of Cancer Registries and the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results program to examine melanoma incidence rates and trends among Hispanics by sex, age, race, histology, anatomic location, stage, and tumor thickness. Results From 2008 to 2012, 6,623 cases of melanoma were diagnosed among Hispanics. Rates were higher among males (4.6) than females (4.0), but females younger than age 55 had higher rates than males. The most common histologic subtype was superficial spreading melanoma (23%). Melanomas with poorer outcomes, such as nodular (NM) and acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), were more common among males. Hispanic females had the highest proportion of melanoma on the lower limb and hip (33.7%) while Hispanic males had the highest proportion on the trunk (29.9%). Incidence rates for later stage and thicker tumors were significantly higher among Hispanic men than women. Incidence rates decreased significantly during 2003–2012 (AAPC= −1.4). Conclusions Clinicians and public health practitioners will need to reach the growing Hispanic population in the US with strategies for primary prevention and early diagnosis of melanoma. Results suggest Hispanics and providers need education to increase awareness about the characteristics of melanoma among Hispanics, including types that occur on non-sun-exposed areas (ALM, NM). Skin cancer prevention and awareness interventions targeting Hispanics should be culturally relevant.

The authors thank Kevin Moran for his editorial suggestions regarding an earlier draft of the current article.

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