IMPORTANCE Melanoma is epidemiologically linked to UV exposure, particularly childhood sunburn. Public health campaigns are increasing sun-protective behavior in the United States, but the effect on melanoma incidence is unknown. OBJECTIVE To examine the incidence of melanoma in the United States and whether any age-specific differences are present. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Observational, population-based registry data were extracted on July 3, 2018, from the combined National Program of Cancer Registries-Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results United States Cancer Statistics database for 2001-2015. Deidentified data for 988 103 cases of invasive melanoma, with International Classification of Diseases for Oncology histologic categorization codes 8720 to 8790, were used for analysis. Data analysis was performed from July 1, 2018, to March 1, 2019. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The annual rates of melanoma in pediatric, adolescent, young adult, and adult age groups were determined. Analyses were stratified by sex, and incidence rates were age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population. Annual percentage change (APC) in incidence rate was calculated over the most recent decade for which data were available (2006-2015) using the weighted least squares method. RESULTS In 2015, 83 362 cases of invasive melanoma were reported in the United States, including 67 in children younger than 10 years, 251 in adolescents (10-19 years), and 1973 in young adults (20-29 years). Between 2006 and 2015, the overall incidence rate increased from 200.1 to 229.1 cases per million person-years. In adults aged 40 years or older, melanoma rates increased by an APC of 1.8% in both men (95% CI, 1.4%-2.1%) and women (95% CI, 1.4%-2.2%). In contrast, clinically and statistically significant decreases were seen in melanoma incidence for adolescents and young adults. Specifically, incidence rates decreased by an APC of −4.4% for male adolescents (95% CI, −1.7% to −7.0%), −5.4% for female adolescents (95% CI, −3.3% to −7.4%), −3.7% for male young adults (95% CI, −2.5% to −4.8%), and −3.6% for female young adults (95% CI, −2.8% to −4.5%). Data on skin pigmentation and sun protection history were unavailable; similar trends were observed with data limited to non-Hispanic whites. Young adult women appeared to have twice the risk of melanoma as young adult men. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The incidence of invasive melanoma in the United States appeared to decrease in adolescents and young adults from 2006 to 2015, and this finding contrasted with increases in older populations. These incidence trends suggest that public health efforts may be favorably influencing melanoma incidence in the United States.

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Background Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) face increased risk of morbidity and are recommended to receive lifelong cancer related follow-up care. Identifying factors associated with follow-up care can inform efforts to support the long-term health of CCS. Methods Eligible CCS (diagnosed between 1996-2010) identified through the Los Angeles County Cancer Surveillance Program responded to a self-report survey that assessed demographic, clinical, health care engagement, and psychosocial risk and protective factors of recent (prior 2 years) cancer-related follow-up care. Weighted multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify correlates of care. All statistical tests were 2-sided. Results The overall response rate was 44.9%, with an analytical sample of n = 1,106 (54.2% Hispanic; mean [SD] ages at survey, diagnosis, and years since diagnosis were 26.2 [4.9], 11.6 [5.4], and 14.5 [4.4] years, respectively). Fifty-seven percent reported a recent cancer-related visit, with lower rates reported among older survivors. Having insurance, more late effects, receipt of a written treatment summary, discussing long-term care needs with treating physician, knowledge of the need for long-term care, having a regular source of care, and higher healthcare self-efficacy were statistically significantly associated with greater odds of recent follow-up care, while older age, Hispanic or Other ethnicity (vs. non-Hispanic White), and years since diagnosis were associated with lower odds of recent care (all P’s<.05). Conclusions Age and ethnic disparities are observed in receipt of follow up care among young adult CCS. Potential intervention targets include comprehensive, ongoing patient education, provision of written treatment summaries, and culturally-tailored support to ensure equitable access to and utilization of care.

Background Healthcare self-efficacy (HCSE), the perceived confidence to manage one’s health care, has been identified as a critical component in the transition process from pediatric to adult-oriented care for childhood cancer survivors (CCSs). HCSE is amenable to intervention and associated with long-term follow-up care among CCSs. However, factors associated with HCSE have not been fully explored among CCSs. Procedure We identified correlates of HCSE among a sample of CCSs (n = 193). Descriptive statistics and linear regression methods were used in this cross-sectional analysis. Results In univariate analyses, higher physical and psychosocial quality of life, posttraumatic growth, and religious/spiritual importance were associated with higher HCSE. Attendance at a survivorship clinic, having a regular source of care (both noncancer and oncologist), and any type of health insurance were also associated with HCSE. Hispanic ethnicity was negatively associated with HCSE relative to non-Hispanics. In a multivariable model, psychosocial quality of life, religious/spiritual importance, survivorship clinic attendance, having a regular oncologist, and Hispanic ethnicity remained significantly associated with HCSE. Conclusions CCSs who reported greater well-being, who rated religion and spirituality of high importance, and who accessed specialized cancer services expressed greater HCSE. Hispanic CCSs, however, reported less HCSE than non-Hispanics. Interventions that attend to the quality of life and spiritual needs of CCSs have potential to build HCSE to support the healthcare transition process. Because Hispanic CCSs may be at risk of lower perceived confidence to navigate their health care, culturally competent, efficacy-enhancing interventions are needed for this population.