Incidence of Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma in the Ottawa Region: 1996 to 2006

Background. The incidence rates of invasive primary cutaneous malignant melanoma in Canada have shown a gradual tapering in recent years, after decades of increases. This trend suggests that the incidence of melanoma in Canada is stabilizing; however, knowledge of the recent trend for both in situ and invasive tumors was lacking. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the temporal trend of both in situ and invasive melanoma within the Ottawa region over a 10-year period. Methods: The histopathology of cutaneous melanomas diagnosed in the Ottawa region was obtained for the years 1996, 2001, and 2006 from the main diagnostic centers servicing the area; however, not all melanomas have been accounted for. All rates are expressed per 100,000 population per year. Results: Melanoma incidence decreased between 1996 and 2001 (-3.83) and increased between 2001 and 2006 (+7.46; p <= .05). This increase is mainly attributable to in situ melanoma (+5.49; p <= .05). There has been no statistically significant change in invasive melanoma. Conclusions: Invasive melanoma incidence in the Ottawa region remained stable, whereas in situ melanoma incidence increased.