Fact sheet: current epidemiological data about melanoma in Europe The worldwide incidence of melanoma has steadily increased over the last 50 years in predominantly fair-skinned populations. Rates of melanoma have recently stabilized in some countries, particularly among younger generations. The rise in melanoma incidence has mostly been attributed to socioeconomic changes in lifestyle whereby people’s attitude towards the sun gradually went from avoidance to sun-seeking behaviour. Although growing public awareness, improved surveillance and prevention campaigns have overall led to earlier diagnosis of melanoma, at a stage where chances of survival are higher, more and more people still die from malignant melanoma. The following current facts provide a general impression of the epidemiology of melanoma in Europe and worldwide: In 2012, 232,130 melanomas were diagnosed in the world and 55,488 people died from it. Nearly half of the melanoma burden occurred in Europe (100,442 new cases and 22,211 deaths in 2012) and 82% of melanomas were diagnosed in developed countries. The highest incidence in the world is by far recorded in Australia and New Zealand. In Europe, the highest melanoma rates are found in Norway, Denmark and Switzerland and the lowest incidence in Mediterranean countries where olive-skinned populations predominate. Differences across European countries are large but less marked for mortality than incidence: Eastern countries have comparatively high melanoma mortality due to an overall later – thus less favourable – stage at diagnosis. Rates and trends of melanoma differ within European countries according to sex and age. Malignant melanoma is most commonly diagnosed in patients aged 40 to 60 years. Surgical removal at an early stage (thin melanoma) leads to an excellent survival rate, exceeding 90% after 5 years. Contributor: Jean-Luc Bulliard, jean-luc.bulliard@chuv.ch
Fact sheet: current epidemiological data about melanoma in Europe The worldwide incidence of melanoma has steadily increased over the last 50 years in predominantly fair-skinned populations. Rates of melanoma have recently stabilized in some countries, particularly among younger generations. The rise in melanoma incidence has mostly been attributed to socioeconomic changes in lifestyle whereby people’s attitude towards the sun gradually went from avoidance to sun-seeking behaviour. Although growing public awareness, improved surveillance and prevention campaigns have overall led to earlier diagnosis of melanoma, at a stage where chances of survival are higher, more and more people still die from malignant melanoma. The following current facts provide a general impression of the epidemiology of melanoma in Europe and worldwide: In 2012, 232,130 melanomas were diagnosed in the world and 55,488 people died from it. Nearly half of the melanoma burden occurred in Europe (100,442 new cases and 22,211 deaths in 2012) and 82% of melanomas were diagnosed in developed countries. The highest incidence in the world is by far recorded in Australia and New Zealand. In Europe, the highest melanoma rates are found in Norway, Denmark and Switzerland and the lowest incidence in Mediterranean countries where olive-skinned populations predominate. Differences across European countries are large but less marked for mortality than incidence: Eastern countries have comparatively high melanoma mortality due to an overall later – thus less favourable – stage at diagnosis. Rates and trends of melanoma differ within European countries according to sex and age. Malignant melanoma is most commonly diagnosed in patients aged 40 to 60 years. Surgical removal at an early stage (thin melanoma) leads to an excellent survival rate, exceeding 90% after 5 years. Contributor: Jean-Luc Bulliard, jean-luc.bulliard@chuv.ch
Epidemiological%20fact%20sheet.docx