Mortality from malignant melanoma: epidemiological trends in Switzerland

Abstract

The skin doesn't forget damage by sun exposure (sunburn, ultraviolet radiation). Indeed, melanoma mortality increases quite linearly with rising age. For Swiss nationals the sex ratio of mortality rates is 1.7, i.e. risks for male foreigners and Swiss females are of similar size. However, in younger Swiss men (35 to 44 years) mortality rates between 1979/83 and 1997/2001 diminished by 66% (p < 0.02). Analyses of mortality by occupational groups revealed that indoor working males like graduates and employees with commercial or technical education have an increased risk. The results support the association between melanoma risk and intermittent sun exposure, outdoor workers with chronic sunlight exposure being slightly protected. Further declines in mortality may be expected with skin cancer prevention campaigns improving sun exposure behaviour.