A retrospective study was made of the incidence of cutaneous melanoma among the population of the district of Rijeka (Croatia) during the period 1977-96. A total of 397 patients with cutaneous melanoma was documented during this period. Over the 20-year period the incidence of the tumour increased, the mean annual rate being 4. 8 (4.0 in males and 5.4 in females) in the first 10-year period and 7.16 in the second (7.1 in males and 7.3 in females). The number of registered cases in males and females was almost identical (1 : 1.05). The number of melanoma cases increased with age in both sexes, whereas it was rare in children. The most affected anatomical location was the trunk in males and the lower limbs in females. The results indicate the need for active prevention and educational programmes in this population.