Epidemiology of malignant melanoma

Malignant melanoma of the skin is a tumor particularly common in white-skinned populations living in sunny areas. Over the last two decades, the increased incidence of melanoma in European and North American populations is slowing. The proportion of tumors diagnosed in situ compared with invasive melanomas has increased. Host risk factors including phenotype and genetic factors predominate as risk factors for melanoma. The major modifiable risk factor is exposure to ultraviolet radiation.