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. 2017 Jul;177(1):134-140.
doi: 10.1111/bjd.15510. Epub 2017 Jun 12.

The global burden of melanoma: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015

C Karimkhani  1 , A C Green  2   3 , T Nijsten  4 , M A Weinstock  5   6 , R P Dellavalle  1   7   8 , M Naghavi  9 , C Fitzmaurice  9   10
Affiliations

The global burden of melanoma: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015

C Karimkhani et al. Br J Dermatol. 2017 Jul.

Abstract

Background: Despite recent improvements in prevention, diagnosis and treatment, vast differences in melanoma burden still exist between populations. Comparative data can highlight these differences and lead to focused efforts to reduce the burden of melanoma.

Objectives: To assess global, regional and national melanoma incidence, mortality and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015.

Methods: Vital registration system and cancer registry data were used for melanoma mortality modelling. Incidence and prevalence were estimated using separately modelled mortality-to-incidence ratios. Total prevalence was divided into four disease phases and multiplied by disability weights to generate years lived with disability (YLDs). Deaths in each age group were multiplied by the reference life expectancy to generate years of life lost (YLLs). YLDs and YLLs were added to estimate DALYs.

Results: The five world regions with the greatest melanoma incidence, DALY and mortality rates were Australasia, North America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe and Central Europe. With the exception of regions in sub-Saharan Africa, DALY and mortality rates were greater in men than in women. DALY rate by age was highest in those aged 75-79 years, 70-74 years and ≥ 80 years.

Conclusions: The greatest burden from melanoma falls on Australasian, North American, European, elderly and male populations, which is consistent with previous investigations. These substantial disparities in melanoma burden worldwide highlight the need for aggressive prevention efforts. The Global Burden of Disease Study results can help shape melanoma research and public policy.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
World map of age‐standardized disability‐adjusted life year rates per 100 000 persons from melanoma, both sexes.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Age‐standardized melanoma disability‐adjusted life year (DALY) rates in 21 world regions by sex.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Age‐standardized melanoma mortality rates in 21 world regions by sex.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

References

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