There has been a downward trend in mortality from malignant melanoma in Scotland in the last 20 years, although its frequency has increased.

Researchers at the University of Glasgow have analysed data on malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, between 1979 and 1998. They find there has been a 300 per cent increase in cases among men - from 3.5 cases per 100,000 population to 10.6 per 100,000. For women, the corresponding increase was about 200 per cent - from seven to 13 per 100,000.

But mortality rates have fallen. For men, five year survival was 58 per cent in 1979, compared to 80 per cent in 1998. The corresponding figures for women are 74 per cent and 85 per cent. This is probably because people are more aware of the signs of skin cancer, and seek help at an earlier stage. There is still room, say the researchers, for changes in sun exposure behaviour - for cases of melanoma are still going up.

Source

Lancet on-line (www.thelancet.com) 25th June 2002