Incidence and survival of patients with melanoma in Colombia

Background: Melanoma accounts for less than 2 % of all skin cancers but exhibits highly aggressive behaviour, rapidly leading to metastasis. Various individual and environmental risk factors are associated with its occurrence. Methods: A cohort study was conducted using data from the Integrated Social Protection Information System (SISPRO) of the Colombian Ministry of Health. Patients with newly diagnosed melanoma in 2019 were included. Demographic, clinical, and mortality characteristics were analysed, and crude and age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates were calculated. The association between the altitude of populations and melanoma rates was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient and an analysis of variance. The Fine and Gray model was used to estimate survival. Results: In 2019, 5255 new cases of melanoma were reported in the health insurance system. The crude incidence rate was 22 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, and the age-adjusted incidence rate was 21. The overall three-year mortality rate was 18.8 %, with melanoma-attributable mortality at 7 %. As expected, the mortality rate was higher in patients with invasive melanoma, COPD, and among men. Melanoma rates were positively correlated with greater exposure to UV radiation, determined by the altitude of the municipalities. Conclusion: Colombia has high melanoma incidence rates, with significant regional variations. UV radiation exposure and altitude are key factors.