Incidence of Melanoma Skin Cancer in the Elderly Population of the Samara Region

Introduction: Melanoma is currently a public health challenge as it is one of the most aggressive skin tumors demonstrating increasing incidence and prevalence over recent decades.

Objective: To analyze age and sex-specific incidence rates of melanoma of the skin in the elderly population of the Samara Region.

Materials and Methods: We used annual federal statistical reporting data from Form No. 7, Incidence of malignant neoplasms, of the Samara Regional Clinical Oncology Dispensary for 2014–2023 and applied epidemiological, statistical, analytical, and graphical methods. We calculated mean and standardized rates of melanoma incidence per 100,000 population by sex, age, and territory (the region as a whole, cities, and rural areas); the R² coefficient of determination, and the Fisher exact test using Microsoft Excel.

Results: From 2014 to 2023, the incidence of melanoma increased by 29.8 % in the region, by 24.5 % in cities, and by 58.6 % in rural areas (R² = 0.488; Fisher exact test 7.63, p < 0.05). Sex-specific rates established in the region and cities were higher among male seniors. In rural areas, the malignancy was more incident in women. Yet, the rates of increase of melanoma incidence in urban women were significantly higher than in urban men, and those in rural men exceeded the rates in rural women. The incidence rate of melanoma increases with age, especially starting from the age of 65–69 years, and reaches maximum values in the population aged 80 years or older.

Conclusion: High incidence of melanoma in older adults and its observed growth over time determine the urgent necessity of preventive measures for this age group, especially those living in rural areas of the Samara Region. 

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