We assessed the occurrence of malignant melanoma of the skin in New Mexico from 1969-1977. Incidence data, collected by the New Mexico Tumor Registry, were supplemented with mortality data supplied by the State Bureau of Vital Statistics. These data were analyzed for variation by site, sex, and ethnic group. Malignant melanoma occurrence varied with ethnicity. Incidence rates for non-Hispanic whites (Anglos) exceeded comparison US rates, and were approximately six times higher than for other ethnic groups, Annual incidence rates for Hispanics, American Indians, and blacks of both sexes ranged from 0.0-1.8 cases per 100,000. As anticipated from other studies, the lower extremities were the most common site in Anglo women, and the trunk was the most common site in Anglo men. In contrast, the trunk was the most common site for both Hispanic men and women. A statistically significant trend of increasing incidence was demonstrated only for the Anglo women. Mortality rates varied widely during the study period and did not correlate with incidence rates.
Cuncer 501440-1446, 1982.
ECENT DESCRIPTIVE epidemiologic investigations R have documented increasing incidence of malignant melanoma in many western countries.'-6 By site, the increases are greatest for the extremities in women and for the trunk in men.'-' The unifying hypothesis of sunlight exposure has been advanced to explain both the rising incidence and the anatomic distribution of malignant melanoma.''2 This report describes the incidence and mortality of malignant melanoma in New Mexico during the period 1969-1977. Because of the state's climate and geography, residents receive relatively high annual ultraviolet radiation exposure.* Additionally, New Mexico's multicultural population of Hispanics, Anglos (non-Hispanic whites), American Indians, and blacks provides the opportunity to assess malignant melanoma occurrence in groups with varying skin pigmentation and lifestyles.