Time trends of incidence, mortality, and relative survival of invasive skin melanoma in Lithuania

The aim of this study was to provide insights into the descriptive epidemiology of invasive skin melanoma in Lithuania by analyzing population-based incidence (1978-2002) and mortality (1990-2002) time trends, and relative survival based on 3485 skin melanoma. We calculated age-standardized incidence and mortality rates (cases per 100,000) using the European Standard Population and calculated period estimates of relative survival. The incidence rates increased from 1978 (men: 1.7, women: 2.3) to 2002 (men: 5.0, women: 7.0). The incidence increase over time is accompanied by cohort effects among both men and women. Mortality rates increased from 1990 (men: 1.2, women: 1.7) to 2002 (men: 2.3, women: 2.2). Relative 5-year survival rates among men were 10% lower than among women. The overall difference in survival was mainly due to a more favourable survival among women aged 60-74 years. Overall prognosis was less favourable among men, most likely due to diagnoses at later stages.