Cutaneous melanoma in Connecticut towns, 1989-91

Some 1,522 cases of invasive melanoma of the skin were diagnosed among Connecticut residents in 1989-91 and reported to the Connecticut Tumor Registry. Statistically significant excess numbers of cases (both sexes combined), relative to those expected on the basis of statewide rates, were found for residents of 11 of the state's 169 towns. Six of these 11 towns are located on the ocean shoreline and two are near the largest lake in the state. In another analysis, eight towns that are on the ocean shoreline and have a state park or large beach had a 64% excess of melanoma (ie, 151 cases vs 92.4 expected). A case-control epidemiologic study of the role of excessive sun exposure (especially at beaches) in the causation of cutaneous melanoma in Connecticut could provide further support for stronger efforts by physicians and public health agencies in the primary prevention of a cancer for which incidence rates continue to increase.