Trends in Incidence and Mortality of Skin Melanoma in Lithuania 1991–2015

Abstract

Background. We aimed to investigate age-specific and sex-specific incidence trends of melanoma in Lithuania from 1991 to 2015. Methods. Analysis was based on data from the population-based Lithuanian Cancer Registry database for 1991–2015, and 6024 cases of skin melanoma were identified. Age-adjusted rates (ASRs) by sex and age group were calculated. Adjustment for ASRs was done using the old European standard population, where a total of three age groups were considered: 0–39, 40–59 and 60+. Additionally, the annual percent change (APC) was calculated, and 95% confidence intervals for APC were calculated. Results. Between 1991 and 2015, the overall melanoma rates increased by an annual percent change (APC) of 3.9% in men (95% CI, 3.6–4.1%) and 2.3% in women (95% CI, 2.1–2.5%). The highest incidences of new cutaneous melanoma cases were observed between old adults (60+) of both sexes, while the lowest incidence rates were observed in the young adult group (up to 39 years old), with the lowest APC (1.6% in males and 0.4% in females). The overall number of melanoma deaths during 1991 and 2015 increased from 64 to 103 deaths per year, and the age-standardized rate (ASR) increased 1.3 times (from 1.8 to 2.4). Conclusions. The incidence and mortality of skin melanoma seem to be increased in all age groups. These trends indicate that skin protection behavior is not sufficient in our population and more efforts need to be taken in order to decrease incidence and mortality rates.

Changing epidemiology and age-specific incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma in Lithuania: an analysis of national cancer registration data by gender and anatomical site, 1991–2015

“…A statistically significant increase in the incidence of melanoma was reported, with an average annual change of 4% in males and 3% in females between 1995 and 2012 in Europe [ 4 ]. A similar trend was observed in Lithuania, where the overall melanoma rates increased annually by (APC) 3.9% in males and 2.3% in females; the highest incidence of melanoma was noticed in 60 years and older adult group of both sexes, while the lowest incidence was in a group of 39 years and younger adults [ 5 ].…”

Global Burden of Cutaneous Melanoma in 2020 and Projections to 2040

“…Different patterns in incidence rates depending on latitude and north-south gradients have been observed in several countries and world regions. Although melanoma rates continue to increase in most European countries, rates in North America and Oceania appeared to have leveled off in recent years . Temporal variations in melanoma incidence in high-risk populations are associated with a strong cohort effect, with rates stabilizing or decreasing among recent generations in some countries .…”

“…Although melanoma rates continue to increase in most European countries, rates in North America and Oceania appeared to have leveled off in recent years. 1,2,7,8,22 Temporal variations in melanoma incidence in high-risk populations are associated with a strong cohort effect, with rates stabilizing or decreasing among recent generations in some countries. 1 In Australia, the country with the highest melanoma incidence rates worldwide, more than 95% of all melanoma cases have been attributed to high ambient levels of UV radiation exposure.…”

Environmental effects of stratospheric ozone depletion, UV radiation, and interactions with climate change: UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, Update 2021

“…The incidence in children aged 10–19 in the United States also decreased from 2000 to 2015 [ 207 ]. In Eastern Europe, studies from Lithuania (1991–2015) and Ukraine (2002–2013) reported increased incidence of melanoma in all age groups [ 208 , 209 ], but there is evidence of a recent decline in incidence in Hungary [ 210 ].…”