Mortality frequency and trends attributed to melanoma in Brazil from 1980-2005

Melanoma is the leading cause of skin cancer deaths in Brazil, and accounts for 1% of cancer deaths. This study aimed to analyze mortality attributed to melanoma in Brazil during the period 1980-2005, for the population as whole and with respect to the age, gender, and geographical patterns of distribution, and the data were subsequently compared to melanoma frequency rates observed in other countries. Annual age-standardized mortality rates were ascertained for all regions with data provided by the National Mortality System. An exploratory analysis using log-transformed Poisson regression was conducted, and changes in mortality trends during this period were evaluated. Then the best-fitted trend model, ascertainment of the annual average percentage change (AAPC) during 1980-2005, was identified. Mortality associated with melanoma in Brazil increased during the period studied, with the APCC for the whole country being 1.1%. The rate was highest among the elderly: APCC 2.8% in those over 70 years old and 2.3% in females. The mortality ratio comparing South and North regions was 7 in 2005. An increase in mortality frequency associated with melanoma occurred in Brazil since 1980, with different patterns noted by gender, age and region. The observed results highlight the relevance of and need for public health policies toward skin cancer control.