Epidemiologic aspects of malignant skin melanoma in Slovakia

The trends of age-adjusted incidence rates of malignant skin melanoma in Slovakia from 1968 to 1977 showed important increase with an annual increment of 5.8% in males and 3.2% in females. The mortality rates during this period remained lower and their increase was less expressed. The study of geographic patterns of incidence revealed great variation with highest rates in urban districts. A marked predominance of the primary lesions on trunk in males and on lower limbs in females was observed. The differences in anatomic distribution are demonstrated also in age-specific incidence rates of malignant skin melanoma by main subsites. Intermittent overexposures to the sunlight in connection with rising standard of life and leisure seem to be the most suitable explanation for the rise and subsite distribution and dynamics, as well as the geographic patterns and international position of incidence rates of malignant skin melanoma in this country.