An almost unique cause. The skin melanoma, in a strong increase, but generally avoidable, is attributable in more than 80% of cases to exposure to ultraviolet rays (UV), according to a new estimate of the researchers of the International Center for Cancer Research (Circ) transmitted this Tuesday, May 27.
Of almost 332,000 cases of skin melanoma worldwide in 2022, around 267,000 were caused by UV rays, 83%, evaluates this study published in the International Journal of Cancer (IJC). This cancer caused 58,700 deaths that year.
The proportion of cases related to UV was higher in men (86%) than in women (79%), the CIR also pointed out in a press release.
A high risk in “clear skin populations”
Another observation: “The load of the skin melanoma differs considerably from one region from the world to another, due to the combination of different levels of exposure to UV rays and the risk of developing much higher skin melanoma in clear leather populations,” summarizes this specialized agency of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The regions that show the highest rates of this cancer attributable to UV (more than 95%) were, therefore, Australia/New Zealand, northern Europe and North America.
While the skin melanoma was “a rare disease in the past”, the exhibition increased to UV in recent decades: work, travel in regions with high radiation, etc., caused a strong increase in cases of this pathology, especially in the populations of clear cutlos, said Cir.
And if the incidence rates in younger generations have decreased in many countries where rates were historically higher, the growth and aging of the population should lead to a substantial net increase in the number of cases of skin melanoma diagnosed every year.
96,000 deaths for 2040
A recent projection anticipates more than 510,000 new cases and 96,000 deaths in 2040, an increase of 50% and 68% respectively, recalled the WHO agency.
However, “most cases of skin melanoma are avoidable,” said Oliver Langselius, the main author of the study, cited in the press release, insisting in particular on “the urgent need to intensify public health efforts in terms of sun protection,” in particular in high -risk regions and between aging populations.
Melanoma, a serious skin tumor, looks like a mole but often with the following characteristics: asymmetry, irregular edges, various colors, increase or change of appearance.
If the number of new cases per year has experienced a regular increase in the last two or three decades, detection has improved and new treatments have appeared.
Source: BFM TV
