Epidemiology of melanoma [Melanoma epidemiyolojisi]

Abstract

The incidence of melanoma is increasing at a rate greater than any other form of cancer in the world, especially in white race, and melanoma looks as a serious health problem. Therefore, many countries apply melanoma control programmes. For the success of these control programmes, it needs to have epidemiologic data about melanoma. The epidemiology of melanoma not only includes recording the incidence and mortality rates for the tumor, but also looking possible factors important causation. It should be known which preventions may decrease tumor incidence. Melanoma records are inadequate in our country. Epidemiologic studies on melanoma are essential for a realistic assessment of the incidence of the tumour, possible risk factors, prevention strategies and the need for caring.