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.Data Interpretation Issues
Cancer diagnoses in 2020 may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic due to the changes in health services and cancer screening accessibility.Why Is This Important?
Melanoma of the skin is one of the most common cancers. Melanoma is cancer of melanocyte cells, the cells in the skin that make melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Melanoma of the skin is much less common than skin cancers that form in other skin cells, called basal cells and squamous cells, but it is far more dangerous. Melanoma is more likely than other skin cancers to spread to other parts of the body.^1^
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or artificial sources such as tanning beds is a key risk factor for developing melanoma. Anyone can get skin cancer, but some factors increase the risk. Risk factors that can be controlled include a history of sunburns early in life, especially blistering sunburns, and being exposed to UV rays over long periods of time.^2^
Other risk factors that can increase the risk of melanoma include fair complexion including lighter skin color, skin that burns or freckles easily, blue or green eyes, and red or blond hair. Melanoma is more common in non-Hispanic White individuals than among people of other racial or ethnic backgrounds, but people of any race can get melanoma. Family history of melanoma or having many moles also increase the risk.
Experts recommend individuals reduce their risk for melanoma and other skin cancers by using sun protection outdoors and avoiding tanning booths. A change in the skin, such as a new growth, change in a mole, or a sore that does not heal, is the most common sign of skin cancer. People should check their skin for moles regularly to help spot suspicious changes.^3^[[br]]
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1 [https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/what-is-skin-cancer.htm][[br]]
2 [https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-prevention-pdq][[br]]
3 [https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/symptoms.htm]How Do We Compare With the U.S.?
Utah has consistently had one of the highest incidence rates of melanoma in the U.S., even when accounting for race and ethnicity. One possible factor that may contribute to this higher rate is an increased risk of UV exposure due to Utah's higher elevation and high proportion of sunny days.
