Epidemiology and prevention of cutaneous melanoma

Abstract

Melanoma incidence has continued to increase in all white populations, and mortality from melanoma remains high in older men worldwide. In Australia, Europe, and the United States, a substantial number of thick melanomas in older men are of the nodular subtype, a subtype lacking asymmetry or color change. Educating the public and professionals about the significance of evolving pigmented lesions as emphasized in the revised ABCDE of pigmented lesions is relevant. Targeting screening efforts toward older men will be necessary to decrease worldwide melanoma mortality. Among prevention strategies, emphasizing multiple methods of sun protection in early childhood, adolescence, and adulthood is needed to decrease sunburn rates. Chemoprevention research in melanoma should become a research priority to complement ongoing prevention strategies.