Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
12:37
Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Melanoma epidemiology and trends.
1Division of Dermato-oncology, Eberhard Karls-University, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany. claus.garbe@med.uni-tuebingen.de
Clinics in Dermatology
|December 20, 2008
Summary
Cutaneous melanoma incidence has tripled in white populations globally over four decades. Improved early detection is now leading to better prognoses, despite rising case numbers.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Global incidence rates of cutaneous melanoma have significantly increased over the past 40 years, particularly in white populations.
- Cancer statistics reveal a threefold rise in US melanoma incidence from the 1970s to the 2000s, with similar trends observed in Central Europe.
- Projected cohort studies suggest a continued increase in incidence rates for at least the next two decades.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the trends in cutaneous melanoma incidence and mortality rates worldwide.
- To investigate the changes in Breslow tumor thickness as an indicator of early detection.
- To assess the factors influencing the prognosis of cutaneous melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cancer statistics and incidence rates from the United States and Central Europe over several decades.
- Review of cohort studies to project future trends in melanoma incidence.
- Examination of mortality rates and Breslow tumor thickness data to evaluate diagnostic improvements and prognosis.
Main Results:
- Melanoma incidence rates have tripled in the US and shown similar increases in Central Europe since the 1970s.
- Australia and New Zealand report the highest incidence rates globally, ranging from 40 to 60 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
- While mortality rates increased in the 1970s-80s, they have stabilized since the 1990s, coinciding with a decrease in tumor thickness, indicating improved early detection.
Conclusions:
- Cutaneous melanoma incidence continues to rise globally, necessitating ongoing public health awareness and prevention strategies.
- Improved early recognition and diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma are key factors contributing to a more favorable prognosis.
- Despite increasing incidence, advancements in early detection suggest a positive shift in managing melanoma outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
01:19Pigmentation
The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
01:21Cancer Survival Analysis
Cancer survival analysis focuses on quantifying and interpreting the time from a key starting point, such as diagnosis or the initiation of treatment, to a specific endpoint, such as remission or death. This analysis provides critical insights into treatment effectiveness and factors that influence patient outcomes, helping to shape clinical decisions and guide prognostic evaluations. A cornerstone of oncology research, survival analysis tackles the challenges of skewed, non-normally...
02:07Tumor Progression
Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
02:07Tumor Progression
Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...