Cutaneous melanoma, a form of skin cancer that is on the rise but largely preventable, is linked to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in more than 80% of cases, according to a new estimate released on Tuesday, May 27, by researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialized agency of the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to the study published in the International Journal of Cancer (IJC) [1], of the nearly 332,000 cases of cutaneous melanoma reported worldwide in 2022, approximately 267,000 equivalent to 83% were attributed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. That same year, the disease claimed 58,700 lives.
Global disparities
The proportion of UV-related cases was higher in men (86%) than in women (79%), the IARC also noted in a press release.
“The burden of cutaneous melanoma differs greatly by world region because of variation in levels of exposure to UV rays (UVR) and the much higher risk of developing cutaneous melanoma among fair-skinned populations,” summarized this specialized agency of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The regions with the highest rates of UVR-attributable melanoma were Australia and New Zealand, northern Europe, and North America, where more than 95% of melanoma cases were caused by UVR exposure.
While cutaneous melanoma used to be “a rare disease” in the past, increased exposure to UV rays in recent decades through tanning and travelling to regions with high levels of UVR has resulted in large increases in cases of this pathology, particularly in light-skinned populations, the IARC pointed out.
Growth in number of cases
In many countries with historically higher incidence rates, incidence rates among the youngest generation have been declining. However, population growth and ageing are expected to result in a substantial net increase in the number of melanoma cases diagnosed annually, with a recent projection of more than 510 000 new cases and 96 000 deaths in 2040 an increase of 50% and 68%, respectively, the agency added.
“Most cutaneous melanoma cases are preventable”, said Oliver Langselius, scientist at IARC and lead author of the study. “Our findings not only allow for more refined global estimates of cutaneous melanoma caused by UVR but also underscore the urgent need for enhanced public health efforts on sun safety,” especially in high-risk regions and among ageing populations.
Melanoma, a serious skin tumor, resembles a mole but typically presents with the following warning signs: asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, and changes in size or appearance.
