Melanoma and Skin Cancer Control: An International Perspective

Koh, Howard K.; Geller, Alan C.

doi:10.1177/107327489500200501

Cited by 9 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 59 publications

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“…We observed changes in the trends around 1980 or later, when the first awareness and prevention campaigns concerning skin cancer were launched in some northern and western European countries 49…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Changing epidemiology of malignant cutaneous melanoma in Europe 1953–1997: Rising trends in incidence and mortality but recent stabilizations in Western Europe and decreases in Scandinavia

Vries

Bray²,

Coebergh

et al. 2003

Intl Journal of Cancer

340

255

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We analyzed time trends in incidence of and mortality from malignant cutaneous melanoma in European populations since 1953. Data were extracted from the EUROCIM database of incidence data from 165 cancer registries. Mortality data were derived from the WHO database. During the 1990s, incidence rates were by far highest in northern and western Europe, whereas mortality was higher in males in eastern and southern Europe. Melanoma rates have been rising steadily, albeit with substantial geographic variation. In northern Europe, a deceleration in these trends occurred recently in persons aged under 70. Joinpoint analyses indicated that changes in these trends took place in the early 1980s. In western Europe, mortality rates have also recently leveled off [estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) from -13.6% (n.s.) to 3.3%], whereas in eastern and southern Europe both incidence and mortality rates are still increasing [incidence EAPCs 2.3-8.9%, mortality EAPCs -1.8% (n.s.) to 7.2%]. Models including the effects of age, period and birth cohort were required to adequately describe the rising incidence trends in most European populations, with a few exceptions. Time trends in mortality were adequately summarized on fitting either an age-cohort model (with the leveling off of rates starting in birth cohorts between 1930 and 1940) or an age-period-cohort model. The most plausible explanations for the deceleration or decline in the incidence and mortality trends in recent years in northern (and to a lesser extent western) Europe are earlier detection and more frequent excision of pigmented lesions and a growing public awareness of the dangers of excessive sunbathing.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Changing epidemiology of malignant cutaneous melanoma in Europe 1953–1997: Rising trends in incidence and mortality but recent stabilizations in Western Europe and decreases in Scandinavia

Vries

Bray²,

Coebergh

et al. 2003

Intl Journal of Cancer

340

255

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“…Awareness of the risks of suspected skin lesions may have been associated with a decline in Breslow thickness in Western Europe. Since the early 1980s increasing attention has been paid in North-West Europe to informing the population about the risks of sunbathing, the need to inspect the skin for suspect lesions, and the early detection of melanoma [12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. These campaigns were aimed both at preventing melanoma development and increasing the proportion of cases detected at early, favourable stages of the disease.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lower incidence rates but thicker melanomas in Eastern Europe before 1992

Vries

Boniol

Doré

et al. 2004

European Journal of Cancer

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The objective of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of melanoma across Europe with regard to Breslow thickness and body-site distribution. Incidence data from Cancer Incidence in 5 Continents and the EUROCARE-melanoma database were used: 28?117 melanoma cases from 20 cancer registries in 12 European countries, diagnosed between 1978 and 1992. Regression analysis and general linear modelling were used to analyse the data. Melanomas in Eastern Europe were on average 1.4 mm thicker (P<0.05) than in Western Europe and appeared more often on the trunk. From 1978 to 1992, their Breslow thickness had decreased in Western but not Eastern Europe. There was a latitude gradient in incidence, with highest rates in southern regions in Eastern Europe and an inverse gradient in Western Europe, with highest rates in the North. Mortality:incidence ratios were less favourable in southern parts across Europe, especially in Eastern Europe. If Eastern European populations copy the sunbathing behaviour of the West it is likely that in the near future a higher melanoma incidence can be expected there.

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“…Population screening for melanoma is generally not considered cost effective 41 even though several professional organizations recommend it 42 . One of the most cost-effective ways of reducing the rising incidence of cutaneous melanoma is therefore to implement effective guidelines, campaigns, and public policies.…”

Section: Current Canadian Initiativesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Melanoma Prevention: Are We Doing Enough? A Canadian Perspective

Joshua

2012

Current Oncology

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Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, and its incidence is increasing significantly among Canadians. In parallel with the rising incidence and morbidity, the financial burden caused by this disease will continue to increase dramatically for the government and for individuals alike. More concerted effort to raise awareness of melanoma in Canada is therefore needed. Risk factors—such as family history, childhood sunburn exposure, and age—play a significant role in an individual’s likelihood to develop melanoma. Ultraviolet radiation exposure is the most modifiable variable in melanoma causation. It is therefore important for the general public, in particular the country’s youth, to understand the consequences of lifestyle choices—especially tanning bed use and “sun worshipping.” Many of these issues are not being addressed fully at either the national or the provincial level, with Canadian efforts trailing those of other nations facing similar challenges. Canada also has workforce issues, with an inadequate distribution and number of physicians who can detect and treat melanoma at an early curative stage. With proper education and public awareness, melanoma prevention can be an achievable goal in Canada.

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Melanoma and Skin Cancer Control: An International Perspective

Cited by 9 publications

References 59 publications

Changing epidemiology of malignant cutaneous melanoma in Europe 1953–1997: Rising trends in incidence and mortality but recent stabilizations in Western Europe and decreases in Scandinavia

Changing epidemiology of malignant cutaneous melanoma in Europe 1953–1997: Rising trends in incidence and mortality but recent stabilizations in Western Europe and decreases in Scandinavia

Lower incidence rates but thicker melanomas in Eastern Europe before 1992

Melanoma Prevention: Are We Doing Enough? A Canadian Perspective

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