Melanoma remains a significant health concern in 2024 due to several alarming statistics and trends regarding its incidence and mortality rates.
Rising Incidence and Mortality Rates
Estimated Cases: In 2024, approximately 200,340 new cases of melanoma are expected to be diagnosed in the United States, marking a 7.3% increase compared to previous years. This includes 99,700 cases classified as in situ (non-invasive) and 100,640 invasive cases[7][8].
Projected Deaths: The mortality rate is also on the rise, with an estimated 8,290 deaths from melanoma anticipated in 2024, reflecting a 3.8% increase from the previous year[7][8].
Risk Factors and Demographics
UV Exposure: The majority of melanoma cases are attributed to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning beds. Studies indicate that 86% of melanomas can be linked to UV exposure[7][8].
Demographic Disparities: Melanoma disproportionately affects certain demographics. For instance, white men over age 55 are at the highest risk, with a lifetime probability of 1 in 28 developing melanoma. Conversely, the risk is significantly lower among Black and Hispanic populations[10][8].
Skin Type: Populations with a higher prevalence of fair skin, light hair, and light eyes are at greater risk, especially in regions with high UV exposure. For example, white populations in Australia and New Zealand show significantly higher melanoma rates compared to darker-skinned populations.
Age Trends: While rates among men under 50 have declined slightly, women in the same age group have seen stable rates. However, for individuals aged 50 and older, melanoma rates continue to rise, particularly among women, who experience an increase of about 3% per year[9][10].
Cultural Practices: In some cultures, outdoor activities are more prevalent, increasing UV exposure. Conversely, regions with a cultural emphasis on sun protection may see lower melanoma rates.
Geographic Location and UV Exposure
- Latitude: Areas closer to the equator receive more intense sunlight year-round, leading to higher UV radiation exposure. Regions such as Australia and parts of the southern United States have some of the highest melanoma rates globally due to this increased UV exposure.
- Altitude: Higher altitudes expose individuals to greater UV radiation because the atmosphere is thinner, allowing more UV rays to reach the surface. For instance, people living in mountainous regions may be at increased risk.
- Urban vs. Rural: Urban areas may have less direct sun exposure due to buildings and other structures, potentially lowering risk compared to rural areas where outdoor activities are more common.
Key Inhabited Areas Affected by the Ozone Hole
- Antarctica: While largely uninhabited, the ozone hole is centered over Antarctica, where ozone levels can drop below 220 Dobson Units. Research stations in Antarctica, such as those operated by various countries, are directly affected by increased UV radiation during this period.
- Australia: Southern regions of Australia, particularly Tasmania and parts of Victoria and New South Wales, experience heightened UV levels due to the ozone hole. This has raised concerns about skin cancer and other UV-related health issues among the population.
- New Zealand: Similar to Australia, New Zealand faces increased UV radiation, especially in the South Island. The country has implemented public health campaigns to raise awareness about sun safety.
- Chile and Argentina: Southern regions of these countries, including Patagonia, are also impacted. Increased UV exposure can affect agriculture, wildlife, and human health.
- South Africa: Areas in the southern parts of South Africa experience some effects from the ozone hole, particularly in terms of increased UV radiation levels.
So is it true? Do these places have higher rates of melanoma? Yes, an example is Punta Arenas, Chile: This city, located near the Antarctic ozone hole, has seen a dramatic increase in UV-B radiation levels during spring due to ozone depletion. A study indicated that the rate of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) rose by 56%, increasing from 1.22 to 1.91 cases per 100,000 people over a 14-year period. This area has been regularly exposed to high UV levels, leading to a notable rise in skin cancer cases.
Although the ozone hole itself is located further south, New Zealand has high rates of skin cancer, including melanoma. The country has some of the highest melanoma incidence rates globally, attributed to a combination of factors, including UV exposure, skin type, and lifestyle choices. While the ozone hole does influence UV levels, other factors also contribute to the high skin cancer rates in New Zealand. In other words, avoiding the areas impacted by the ozone hole (or at least coving up while there) is recommended, but other areas are still presenting a risk.
Survival Rates and Treatment Challenges
Survival Rates: The average five-year survival rate for melanoma is 94% when detected early. However, this rate drops significantly if the cancer spreads to lymph nodes (74%) or distant organs (35%)[7][10].
Late Diagnosis: Many cases, especially in individuals with darker skin tones, are diagnosed at later stages when treatment options become limited. This is compounded by the fact that skin cancers in these populations are often found in less exposed areas of the body, making early detection more challenging[10][11].
The increasing incidence and mortality rates of melanoma, coupled with the significant role of UV exposure and demographic disparities, underscore the ongoing concern regarding this form of cancer in 2024. Public health initiatives aimed at prevention, early detection, and education about risk factors are crucial in addressing this rising threat.
Treatment Options
As of 2024, the landscape of melanoma treatment has evolved significantly, primarily driven by advancements in immunotherapy and targeted therapies. The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as ipilimumab and nivolumab, has transformed the prognosis for patients with advanced melanoma, increasing five-year survival rates to approximately 50% for those with previously fatal disease[29]. Additionally, novel approaches, including oncolytic virus therapy and adoptive cell transfer, are being explored to enhance treatment efficacy[25][28]. The recent FDA approval of the TIL product lifileucel further exemplifies the progress in treatment options for patients with unresectable melanoma[29]. Overall, the combination of these innovative therapies is reshaping the management of melanoma, offering renewed hope for better patient outcomes.
Advances in Immunotherapy
- Checkpoint Inhibitors: Immunotherapy has been a game changer for melanoma treatment. Drugs like ipilimumab (Yervoy®), pembrolizumab (Keytruda®), and nivolumab (Opdivo®) have shown remarkable efficacy. The combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab has become standard for many patients with metastatic melanoma, improving survival rates substantially
- Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Therapy: A new approach involves extracting T cells from a patient’s tumor, expanding them in the lab, and then reintroducing them after chemotherapy. The FDA approved a groundbreaking therapy called lifileucel (commercially known as Amtagvi) in February 2024 for patients whose melanoma cannot be surgically removed. This therapy has shown over 30% response rates in patients who previously did not respond to anti-PD-1 therapies. This is the first tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy approved for treating advanced melanoma, particularly for patients whose cancers have progressed despite other treatments. Lifileucel utilizes a patient’s own immune cells, harvested from their tumors, which are then expanded in the lab before being reintroduced to the patient[2][4][5]. The approval of lifileucel marks a significant advancement in treatment options, as it offers a one-time therapy that can lead to long-lasting responses in some patients[5][6].
- ImmTACs: A recent clinical trial demonstrated that combining traditional immune checkpoint inhibitors with a new class of drugs called ImmTACs (immune-mobilizing monoclonal T-cell receptors against cancer) can improve survival rates for patients whose melanoma has progressed despite initial treatments. This combination produced a one-year survival rate exceeding 76%
- A natural compound called gossypin, derived from cotton and hibiscus plants, has also shown promise as a treatment for melanoma, particularly in inhibiting two common mutations associated with the disease—BRAFV600E kinase and CDK4. Recent research led by Dr. Hareesh Nair at Texas Biomedical Research Institute has demonstrated gossypin’s ability to inhibit melanoma cell proliferation and reduce tumor volume in animal models, suggesting its potential as a dual inhibitor for melanoma therapy[1].
.The median survival for patients with metastatic melanoma has increased dramatically from about six months a decade ago to over six years today, thanks to these innovative therapies. The five-year survival rate for advanced melanoma is now around 50%, marking a significant improvement in prognosis.
Prevention: Use UV Sun Block
Using UV sunblock is an effective way to reduce the risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers. Studies have shown that regular use of sunscreen can significantly lower the incidence of melanoma, with one notable Australian trial indicating a 50% reduction in melanoma risk among regular users[9][11]. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly can significantly reduce the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. When selecting a sunscreen, focus on those that meet the criteria for broad-spectrum protection, have an SPF of at least 30, and are water-resistant.
How UV Sunblock Works
UV sunblock protects the skin by blocking or absorbing ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. There are two main types of UV rays that affect the skin: UVA rays: These penetrate deep into the skin and are primarily responsible for skin aging and wrinkling. UVB rays: These are responsible for sunburn and play a significant role in developing skin cancer. A broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays, is recommended for effective protection. The American Academy of Dermatology and other health organizations suggest using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Best Practices for Using Sunscreen
Choose Broad-Spectrum Protection: Ensure the sunscreen offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. SPF of 30 or Higher: Opt for products with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks about 97% of UVB rays. Water Resistance: Look for water-resistant formulations, which can provide protection for 40 to 80 minutes while swimming or sweating. Application: Apply about one ounce (the size of a shot glass) to cover the entire body. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating. Combine with Other Protective Measures: Use additional sun protection strategies, such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM) to further reduce risk.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, melanoma incidence continues to rise. New therapies, alongside ongoing research highlights the dynamic nature of melanoma treatment and the potential for innovative approaches to combat this aggressive cancer.
More Reading
[1] https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2013/04/12/Fruit-and-veg-compound-may-have-skin-cancer-benefit
[2] https://www.aacr.org/blog/2024/05/29/til-therapy-a-new-melanoma-treatment-30-years-in-the-making/
[3] https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2024/05/car-t-melanoma.html
[4] https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2024/fda-amtagvi-til-therapy-melanoma
[5] https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/16/health/metastatic-melanoma-treatment-amtagvi/index.html
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQl3jyeuSjQ
[7] https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/
[8] https://www.aad.org/media/stats-melanoma
[9] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/melanoma-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
[10] https://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer
[11] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/melanoma
[12] https://www.ebay.com/itm/182448033190?chn=ps&mkcid=28&mkevt=1&var=485026253319
[13] https://bazaar5.com/b008to8hs6-lotus-herbals-safe-sun-block-cream-spf-20-100g
[14] https://www.ombotanical.com/product/reef-safe-sunscreen/
[15] https://www.silkrute.com/health-and-personal/skin-care/body-care/body-lotion-and-cream/lotus-herbals-safe-sun-block-cream-spf-20-100g/
[16] https://www.walmart.com/ip/Solid-Sunscreen-Lightweight-Octinoxate-Free-SPF-40-Tinted-Sunscreen-With-Nicotinamide-Vitamin-C-Super-Light-Thin-1-4fl-Oz/8006001401?selectedSellerId=102477639&wmlspartner=wlpa
[17] https://theactivelifecompany.com/products/kovr-sunscreen?currency=USD&variant=39563060248662
[18] https://www.truegether.com/listing.html?id=USER.408e6be6-6546-4801-9799-b6077099059a
[19] https://willandbear.com/en-us/products/reef-safe-sunscreen-australia-sunbutter?currency=USD&stkn=227c4cdc5173&variant=40261090574424
[20] https://www.medstarhealth.org/blog/sunscreen-skin-cancer
[21] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7759112/
[22] https://www.aimatmelanoma.org/melanoma-101/prevention/sunscreen/
[23] https://www.curemelanoma.org/about-melanoma/prevention/choosing-the-right-sunscreen
[24] https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/sun-safety/index.html
[25] https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/2/214
[26] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1040842824000192
[27] https://www.jhoponline.com/issue-archive/2024-issues/february-2024-vol-14-no-1/19607:metastatic-cutaneous-melanoma-navigating-the-evolving-treatment-landscape
[28] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38295889/
[29] https://www.mskcc.org/news/changing-melanoma-landscape-how-research-has-improved-outlook-people-advanced-disease
