Cutaneous malignant melanoma incidence rates in Norway

Aims: The incidence rates of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) increase throughout the world, in spite of introduction of strategies for prevention. However, a decrease in incidence rates is observed in some countries. If the reason for this could be found, it might be useful to transfer the knowledge to other fields of medicine. Methods: CMM age-standardized incidence rates in different age groups in Norway were obtained from NORDCAN for the years 1970-1989 and 1990-2009. Results: Until 1990, the CMM rates increased, but after that time a stabilization or a decrease was observed for young age groups (15-54 years old), while in older generations (> 55 years old) the rates continued to increase. Conclusions: The decreasing CMM pattern in young age groups may be due to changing patterns to sunlight in sunbathing and use of sunbeds.