Changes in the site distribution of malignant melanoma in South East Scotland (1979-2002).
Scottish Melanoma Group (SMG) data on 2790 melanoma (MM) cases in South East Scotland over a 24-year time period were analysed in four periods each of 6 years duration grouped into frequently exposed, intermittently exposed, and always covered sites. Incidence increased significantly over time with females having a higher incidence rate than males. In both sexes, the proportion of cases seen on the posterior trunk and arm increased significantly (P<0.001), but declines were seen in the proportion of leg tumours in males (P=0.09) and of head tumours in females (P=0.011). Although the proportion of cases decreased for certain sites, the actual MM incidence increased at all sites. A significant increase in incidence occurred at usually and always covered sites (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively) in females and at usually covered sites in males (P<0.001).
Mowbray
M
M
Department of Dermatology, University of Edinburgh, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Level 1 The Lauriston Building, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, UK. mmowbray@staffmail.ed.ac.uk
Stockton
D L
DL
Doherty
V R
VR
D000367:Age Factors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012737:Sex Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects