This year, the ICA marks 30 years to its unique initiative of inviting the general public for a free early detection screening of skin cancer and melanoma – which can save lives.
According to an international research, the assumption is that in 2040 we will see an increase of about 50% in new melanoma cases worldwide (about 510,000 cases in 2040 versus 325,000 in 2020). Moreover, an increase of about 68% in mortality rates are expected - 96,000 mortality cases from melanoma in 2040, versus 57,000 in 2020 (further detail below).
According to Cancer Registry data, skin cancer mortality rates in Israel are showing a downward trend.Moshe Bar-Haim, ICA Director General: “Thirty years ago, the Israel Cancer Association initiated a unique campaign, inviting the general public for a free early detection screening of skin cancer in collaboration with all HMO's. Early detection of skin cancer can save lives. The latest update by the Ministry of Health shows that 92.4% of those diagnosed with skin melanoma were at a very early stage, which improves the chances of recovery. This fact proves the efficiency of the ICA's efforts over the years in terms of information and the joint early detection campaigns with the HMO's."Who is at a Risk for Skin Cancer?
If you notice a new mole or changes in size, shade, height, borders and geometry of existing moles, it is important to consult a physician.
The Latest Statistics on Skin Melanoma in Israel for 2022:
Courtesy of the ICA Information Center:
Despite many cases being preventable, cutaneous melanoma remains the most serious skin cancer worldwide. Understanding the scale and profile of the disease is vital to concentrate and reinforce global prevention efforts. In this population-based epidemiological study held in Australia, France and Colombia, researchers sought to find out the projection for skin melanoma incidence and mortality for 2040, by using the GLOBOCAN 2020 database for global epidemiological assessment of new cases and deaths due to invasive melanoma, referring to 185 countries or regions, and divided into men and women and 18 age groups (0-4, 5-9, etc.)
A total of worldwide total of 325,000 new melanoma cases (174,000 males, 151,000 females) and 57,000 deaths (32,000 males, 25,000 females) was estimated for 2020.
The highest incidence rates among males (42 per 100,000 person-years) and females (31 per 100,000 person-years) observed in Australia/New Zealand, followed by Western Europe (19 per 100,000 person-years for males and females), North America (18 per 100,000 person-years for males, 14 per 100,000 person-years for females), and Northern Europe (17 per 100,000 person-years for males, 18 per 100,000 person-years for females). Nearly 80% of new melanoma cases and 87.7% of melanoma death cases in 2020 were among people 50 years ad up.
Melanoma continued to be rare in most African and Asian countries, and more frequent among males than females in most world regions.
According to demographic estimates, if 2020 rates continue, the burden from melanoma is estimated to increase to 510,000 new cases (a roughly 50% increase) in 2040 compared to 325,000 in 2020. Mortality rates are also expected to increase to 96,000 deaths (a 68% increase) by 2040, compared to 57,000 in 2020.
This epidemiological assessment suggests that melanoma remains an important challenge to cancer control and public health globally, especially in fair-skinned populations of European descent. Despite many cases being preventable, cutaneous melanoma remains the most serious skin cancer worldwide. Understanding the scale and profile of the disease is vital to concentrate and reinforce global prevention efforts.
The study was published in JAMA Dermatology, March 2022.