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Trends in malignant melanoma incidence and mortality in Wisconsin, 1979-1997
R P Insinga1, E N Reither, P L Remington
1University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Population Health Sciences, WARF Building, Room 644, 610 Walnut St, Madison, WI 53705-2397, USA.
Objective:
To explore trends in malignant melanoma incidence and mortality in Wisconsin from 1979 to 1997, by age, gender and time period. Comparisons are also made to US trends over this period.
Data:
Incidence data for Wisconsin were provided by the Wisconsin Cancer Reporting System Bureau of Health Information, within the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, while US data were extracted using SEER*Stat 3.0. Mortality data for both Wisconsin and the US were compiled using CDC WONDER.
Results:
Wisconsin malignant melanoma incidence rates rose 25% from 1979 to 1998, compared to a US increase of 132%. For mortality rates, however, both Wisconsin (22%) and the US (15%) exhibited only modest increases. Between the mid-1980s and mid-1990s, the largest increases in both incidence and mortality (over 70%) occurred among males over age 65. In contrast, declines of 30% to 40% were found for males age 0-34. Patterns were less consistent among females.
Conclusions:
Since the mid-1980s, malignant melanoma incidence in Wisconsin appears to have increased sharply among males and females over age 65, with a corresponding rise in mortality among males in this age group. These trends should be a source of concern for clinicians and policy makers alike. Because current evidence on the effectiveness of early treatment is inconclusive, it is especially important to take preventive measures now--such as educational and community-based interventions--to reduce future incidence.
Insights
Malignant melanoma incidence rose in Wisconsin, but less than the US overall. However, older males saw sharp increases in both incidence and mortality, highlighting a need for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Malignant melanoma is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding incidence and mortality trends is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies.
- Previous studies have indicated rising melanoma rates nationally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in malignant melanoma incidence and mortality in Wisconsin from 1979 to 1997.
- To examine these trends by age, gender, and time period.
- To compare Wisconsin's trends with national data over the same period.
Main Methods:
- Incidence data were obtained from the Wisconsin Cancer Reporting System.
- US incidence data were accessed using SEER*Stat 3.0.
- Mortality data for both Wisconsin and the US were compiled using CDC WONDER.
Main Results:
- Wisconsin malignant melanoma incidence increased by 25%, significantly less than the US increase of 132%.
- Mortality rates showed modest increases in both Wisconsin (22%) and the US (15%).
- The largest increases in incidence and mortality (over 70%) occurred in males over 65, while younger males (0-34) saw declines.
Conclusions:
- Malignant melanoma incidence has sharply increased in older adults (over 65) in Wisconsin since the mid-1980s.
- A corresponding rise in mortality was observed in males within this age group.
- Preventive measures, including educational and community-based interventions, are critical to reduce future incidence due to inconclusive evidence on early treatment effectiveness.
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