Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells
Published on: June 7, 2019
Evaluating COVID-19 pandemic impact on melanoma incidence and prognostic factors in regions with different infection
Cecilia Sand1,2, Dilki Jayasinghe3, Rory Wolfe4
1Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University; and Department of Dermatology, Skåne University Hospital, Sweden.
Introduction:
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted melanoma care worldwide, raising concerns about diagnosis and treatment delays.
Objectives:
To compare changes in incidence and prognostic factors of invasive cutaneous melanomas across two regions with contrasting COVID-19 infection control strategies.
Methods:
A retrospective population-based registry study was performed using the Swedish quality registry for cutaneous melanoma (SweMR) and the Cancer Council in Victoria, Australia. Incident invasive melanomas diagnosed between 2013 and 2021 were used for trend analyses considering the long-term underlying trends and seasonality. Regression models were used for analyses of prognostic variables (Breslow thickness, ulceration, lymph node status), comparing the time periods, 'before COVID' and 'during COVID' (using 1 March 2020 as interruption point).
Results:
In Victoria, melanoma diagnoses declined during COVID across all age groups, most notably among patients aged < 50 years. Median Breslow thickness remained 0.7 mm, but the distribution shifted significantly (P < 0.001), with an 8% increase in geometric mean ratio [95% confidence interval (CI) 5-12]. In Sweden, measures of thickness remained unchanged during COVID, but the odds of ulceration increased slightly (odds ratio 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.19). Lymph node metastasis rates were stable in both regions. A significant immediate drop in overall incidence followed COVID-19 onset in both regions, primarily driven by thin melanomas. In Victoria, the lower incidence level persisted without a subsequent slope change. In contrast, the Swedish melanoma incidence gradually realigned with the pre-COVID trend after the initial level change. The immediate incidence drop was most prominent among older age groups in both regions.
Conclusions:
COVID-19 influenced melanoma incidence and prognostic features in both Sweden and in Victoria, Australia. Reduced incidence particularly of thin melanomas and modest worsening of prognostic markers were observed. Victoria showed a more sustained impact, possibly reflecting the stricter and longer-lasting pandemic control measures.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic reduced melanoma diagnoses, particularly thin melanomas, and slightly worsened prognostic factors in Sweden and Victoria. Victoria experienced a more prolonged impact due to stricter COVID-19 controls.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic caused global disruptions in cancer care, including melanoma diagnosis and treatment.
- Concerns arose regarding potential delays and their impact on patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare changes in invasive cutaneous melanoma incidence and prognostic factors.
- To analyze these changes in two regions with different COVID-19 control strategies: Victoria, Australia, and Sweden.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective population-based registry study using Swedish and Australian melanoma data (2013-2021).
- Trend analyses considered long-term trends and seasonality.
- Regression models compared prognostic variables (Breslow thickness, ulceration, lymph node status) before and during COVID-19, using March 1, 2020, as the interruption point.
Main Results:
- Melanoma diagnoses declined in Victoria, especially in younger patients (<50 years).
- Median Breslow thickness remained stable, but distribution shifted, indicating a slight increase in thickness.
- Ulceration odds increased in Sweden; lymph node metastasis rates were stable in both regions.
- Both regions saw an immediate incidence drop, mainly in thin melanomas, with Victoria showing a persistent decrease and Sweden realigning with pre-COVID trends.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 significantly impacted melanoma incidence and prognostic features in both regions.
- A reduction in thin melanoma incidence and a slight worsening of prognostic markers were observed.
- Victoria's stricter, longer-lasting COVID-19 measures may explain its more sustained impact on melanoma care.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:30Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy