Out of the Sun: Global Burden of Cutaneous Melanoma in 2020 and 2040

Original Article: Global Burden of Cutaneous Melanoma in 2020 and Projections to 2040

What are the key takeaways of this article?

Cutaneous melanoma is the most consequential skin cancer. It is linked with ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, either from the sun or artificial devices such as tanning beds. Among the various subtypes of melanoma, cutaneous melanoma, originating from the skin’s melanocytes, is the most prevalent. Although non-cutaneous melanomas are very rare, they can arise from other sites such as mucous membranes. Due to its aggressive nature and ability to metastasize to almost any organ in the body, melanoma is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

This global epidemiological study assessed new cases and deaths of cutaneous melanoma in 2020. Additionally, the study provided projections for global cutaneous melanoma cases and deaths for the year 2040. The study authors used the GLOBOCAN2020 database, a database of the Global Cancer Observatory, which is run by the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization for their projections.

The study calculated that, in 2020, 325,000 individuals, worldwide, received a new diagnosis of melanoma. Approximately 57,000 individuals (of new and existing diagnoses) died from their disease. A great majority of both diagnoses and deaths were made in adults over the age of 50, and both new diagnoses and deaths were more common in males than females. Incidence and mortality burden were unevenly distributed globally in 2020, with highest incidence in Oceania, followed by Western Europe, North America, and Northern Europe; lowest incidence was found in Africa and Asia. In contrast, highest mortality rates were observed in Central and Eastern Europe, followed by North America. Importantly, Asian and African countries, while experiencing lower incidence rates than other regions, had much higher mortality rates. Differences in incidence and mortality between countries and regions globally were attributed to the percentage of people with lighter skin, hair, and eyes, given that this population is at higher risk of developing melanoma due to reduced levels of melanin, which has a protective effect. Environmental and cultural factors (such as ambient UV radiation levels or outdoor activity patterns) were also found to influence melanoma rates. However, differences may also be attributed to a country or region’s income status. High-income countries may have better reporting of melanoma incidence and mortality, as well as more robust healthcare systems that can detect or treat melanoma more quickly or effectively.

This study projected that the number of diagnosed melanoma cases globally is expected to increase by more than 50% by 2040, with~510,000 new cases estimated to be diagnosed in that year. Given that melanoma is a preventable cancer, morbidity and mortality from this neoplasm may be reduced with effective public health measures targeting primary prevention and early detection. The incidence of cutaneous melanoma, and associated mortality, is expected to rise in 20 years, but may be prevented by providing more robust public health measures.

Publication Date: September 9th, 2023

Reference: Arnold M, Singh D, Laversanne M, et al. Global Burden of Cutaneous Melanoma in 2020 and Projections to 2040. JAMA Dermatol. 2022;158(5):495–503. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.0160

Summary By: Christine C. Moon