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Health Indicator Report of Melanoma of the Skin Incidence

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.
Crude/Population Estimates*100,000 = Value Note: Melanoma incidence rates for persons age 0-14 not included.

Melanoma of the Skin Incidence by Age and Sex, Utah, 2015-2017

Notes

ICD-O3 Site C440-C449 and Histology 8720-8790: Melanoma of the Skin, which corresponds to ICD-10 code C43.

Data Sources

  • Cancer data provided by the Utah Cancer Registry, supported by the National Cancer Institute (HHSN261201800016I), the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NU58DP0063200), the University of Utah, and Huntsman Cancer Foundation
  • Population Estimates: National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) through a collaborative agreement with the U.S. Census Bureau, IBIS Version 2017

Definition

The rate of melanoma incidence in Utah per 100,000 population (ICD-O3 Site C440-C449 and Histology 8720-8790: Melanoma of the Skin, which corresponds to ICD-10 code C43).

Numerator

The number of melanoma incidents among Utahns for a specific time period (ICD-O3 Site C440-C449 and Histology 8720-8790: Melanoma of the Skin, which corresponds to ICD-10 code C43).

Denominator

The total population of Utah for a specific time period.

How Are We Doing?

Utah's age-adjusted rate for melanoma incidence has been rising steadily from 20.5 cases per 100,000 persons in 2000 to 38.9 cases per 100,000 persons in 2017. Among local health districts for data years2015-2017, the highest age-adjusted melanoma of the skin incidence rates were found in Summit County LHD (66.7 cases per 100,000 persons) and Davis County LHD (51 cases per 100,000 persons). Melanoma incidence rates in these LHDs were significantly higher than the state rate of 40.5 cases per 100,000 persons. San Juan LHD reported the lowest age-adjusted melanoma incidence rate of 14.6 cases per 100,000 persons during the same time frame. For more specific geographical information related to melanoma cancer incidence, see the Utah Small Areas data view. Incidence of melanoma increases significantly with age. From 2015-2017, 15-44 years olds had a combined melanoma incidence rate of 16.3 cases per 100,000 persons, while 45-64 year olds had a combined melanoma incidence rate of 65.3 cases per 100,000 persons and individuals older than 65 years of age had a combined melanoma incidence rate of 145.2 cases per 100,000 persons. Males also had significantly higher rates of melanoma diagnosis (49 cases per 100,000 males, age-adjusted) than females (33.6 cases per 100,000 women, age-adjusted). This was true across almost all age categories within the same data time period.

How Do We Compare With the U.S.?

Utah has consistently ranked as the highest state nationally in terms of melanoma incidence (and resulting mortality). In 2016 (the latest national data available), the age-adjusted melanoma incidence rate in the US was 22.2 cases per 100,000 persons, compared to almost double the rate in Utah 41.6 cases per 100,000 persons.

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.
Page Content Updated On 02/26/2020, Published on 03/12/2021
The information provided above is from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services IBIS-PH web site (http://ibis.health.state.gov). The information published on this website may be reproduced without permission. Please use the following citation: " Retrieved Thu, 28 March 2024 5:58:01 from Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Indicator-Based Information System for Public Health Web site: http://ibis.health.state.gov ".

Content updated: Fri, 12 Mar 2021 13:26:24 MST