Recent Advances in Our Understanding of the Epidemiology of Melanoma

Abstract

This review discusses recent findings involving epidemiologic issues in melanoma, including incidence trends, potential risk factors, and recent studies of skin examination, whether by a physician or by a patient performing self-examination. Melanoma incidence rates have increased, although not in a uniform fashion throughout the population. Tanning beds have been affirmed as a risk factor for melanoma, while other potential risk factors, such as sildenafil, alcohol, and fruit juice, as well a potential protective effect of coffee, have some interesting preliminary data but have not been consistently demonstrated to be causally linked to melanoma. Further studies are needed. There are promising data from Germany that physician skin examination may have an impact, but the data are not completely clear. Skin self-examination rates are low; several authors have tried to identify methods of improving compliance. There have been many interesting and provocative papers regarding the epidemiology of melanoma to come out in recent years. While further work is needed to understand fully the issues raised by these studies, these efforts are important elements in the path towards improving our understanding of how to best combat this deadly disease.