Melanoma epidemiology and public health.
This article reviews the research on, and examines the epidemiology and prevention of melanoma. Despite the great quantity of research into environmental and genetic causes, and the ease of diagnosis, incidence and mortality have risen in all developed countries during the last half century. Patient and physician education, and public health programs aimed at prevention, have had varied success. The authors conclude that, until we have better data on how to prevent skin cancer of all types, the best solutions are education of high-risk populations about skin self-evaluation in combination with physician examination to practice; and sun protection.
Berwick
Marianne
M
Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Internal Medicine, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC08 4360, CRF 103A, Albuquerque, NM 87131 0001, USA. mberwick@salud.unm.edu
Erdei
Esther
E
Hay
Jennifer
J
D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008545:Melanoma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011634:Public Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*