Issues in the epidemiology of melanoma.
Malignant melanoma imposes a considerable public health burden. Both incidence and mortality have increased many fold over the past several decades, although current trends suggest possible change in the prior patterns. Etiologic factors have been established, of which the most important is intense sun exposure. Primary prevention and early detection are both potentially critical in reducing the burden of melanoma. Much remains to be clarified in our management of this disorder on a population basis, and methodologic difficulties are plentiful. The potential for substantial reductions in melanoma mortality requires that we address the difficulties so that maximally effective public health initiatives may be undertaken.
Department of Dermatology, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
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Weinstock
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016019:Survival Analysis