The Changing Incidence of Malignant Melanoma of the Skin in Sweden, 1959–1968

Abstract

3 289 cases of malignant melanoma of the skin, recorded in the Swedish Cancer Registry between 1959 and 1968, have been studied regarding sex, age, location, month of registration and mortality. The incidence showed a 7% annual increase. The increase was most pronounced on the trunk and legs in both sexes. The highest incidence rise for women was between the ages of 30 and 39 and for men in the age range 40–64. The incidence in women with melanoma on the legs was higher during the summer months June—August. Only a negligible change in mortality was found during the period under consideration.