Patterns of increased incidence and survival of cutaneous melanoma in Girona (Spain) 1994-2013: a population-based study.

INTRODUCTION: We conducted a population-based study on the Girona Cancer Registry (Spain) for the period 1994-2013 to determine patterns of change in the incidence of melanoma, which is increasing in many countries, and patient survival in our geographical area.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the standard registration rules for cancer registries, we calculated crude and standardized incidence rates as well as their trends. We also analysed the observed survival, 1-year conditioned survival and relative survival at 3, 5 and 10 years.

RESULTS: Our crude incidence rate was 9.13 cases/100,000 inhabitants for invasive and 2.59 for "in situ" melanomas. A statistically significant increase in incidence was found for melanomas of less than 1 mm in Breslow index and in males. 10-year observed and relative survival rates were 64.1 and 83.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: We found an increasing trend in the incidence of low-risk melanoma and a survival rate similar to that reported elsewhere in Europe.