Epidemiology of cutaneous malignant melanoma in Reunion Island

Abstract

Introduction: The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is increasing worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of CMM in Reunion Island, a French overseas department whose population is characterized by high ethnic diversity and high exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Methods: This cross-sectional study examined all cases of in situ CMM and invasive CMM diagnosed between 1 January and 31 December 2015 in the Reunionese population.

Results: One hundred and three new cases of CMM were recorded in Reunion Island in 2015: 33 cases of in situ CMM and 70 cases of invasive CMM. The sex ratio of men to women was 1.3 and 80% of patients had a fair skin phototype (Fitzpatrick skin phototype≤III). Age-standardized incidence rates of invasive CMM for all skin phototypes combined were 6.7/100,000 person-years (PY) in women and 5.3/100,000 PY in men. Crude incidence rates of invasive CMM for fair skin phototypes were estimated to be over 21/100,000 PY in women and over 25/100,000 PY in men.

Conclusions: In Reunion Island, the incidence of CMM in the population with fair skin phototype is very high. Primary and secondary prevention measures should be reinforced and tailored to the local context.

Keywords: Cutaneous malignant melanoma; Incidence; Reunion Island; Sun exposure.