Important Facts for Melanoma of the Skin Deaths

Definition

The rate of death from melanoma of the skin (ICD-10: C43) per 100,000 population.

Numerator

The number of deaths due to malignant melanoma of the skin for a given time period (ICD-10: C43).

Denominator

The population of Utah for a given time period.

Why Is This Important?

According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma is much less common than other skin cancers such as basal cell and squamous cell, but it is far more dangerous. Risk factors that can be controlled are exposure to sunlight and UV radiation during work and play. A history of sunburns early in life increases one's risk for melanoma. Risk for melanoma also increases with the severity of the sunburn or blisters. Lifetime sun exposure, even if sunburn does not occur, is another risk factor for melanoma. Another modifiable risk factor is location. People who live of certain areas in the U.S. experience higher rates of melanoma. These are areas with a high elevation, warmer climate, and where sunlight can be reflected by sand, water, snow, and ice. Risk for melanoma is greatly increased by tanning, both outside with oils and by using sunlamps and tanning booths. Even people who tan well without burning are at risk for melanoma. Tan skin is evidence of skin damaged by UV radiation. Health care providers strongly encourage people, especially young people, to avoid tanning beds, booths, and sunlamps. The risk of melanoma is greatly increased by using these artificial sources of UV radiation before age 30.

Healthy People Objective C-8:

Reduce the melanoma cancer death rate
U.S. Target: 2.4 deaths per 100,000 population
State Target: currently being revised

Other Objectives

CSTE Chronic Disease Indicators

How Are We Doing?

Since 2000 the age-adjusted melanoma mortality rate in Utah has been fairly steady with minor fluctuations year to year.

How Do We Compare With the U.S.?

Utah has consistently ranked as the highest state nationally in terms of death and incidence. Over time melanoma cancer mortality rates and U.S. trends remain steady. From 2009-2014 melanoma death rate was significantly higher in Utah compared to the national rate. In 2015, the age-adjusted melanoma mortality rate in Utah was 2.9 per 100,000 and 2.4 per 100,000 in the U.S.; a non-statistically significant difference.

What Is Being Done?

The Utah Department of Health initiated the Utah Cancer Action Network (UCAN), a statewide partnership whose goal is to reduce the burden of cancer. The mission of the UCAN is to lower cancer incidence and mortality in Utah through collaborative efforts directed toward cancer prevention and control. As a result of this planning process, objectives and strategies have been developed by community partners regarding the early detection of cervical, breast, and colorectal cancers as well as the promotion of physical activity, healthy eating habits, melanoma cancer prevention and cancer survivorship advocacy.