Cutaneous melanoma incidence, mortality, and survival in Manizales, Colombia: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE: We estimated the cutaneous melanoma (CM) incidence, mortality, and survival in Manizales, Colombia to establish predictors for survival. METHODS: This analytical cohort study used CM incident cases during 2006 to 2015 in the Manizales Cancer Registry (n = 132). Incidence and mortality rates were standardized using the direct method. Patients were followed up until 30 November 2020. Cause-specific survival was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method for variables of interest, with the log-rank test for differences. Cox multivariate regression models were fitted. RESULTS: Incidence (per 100,000) increased from 1.6 to 3.0 in men and 2.6 to 2.8 in women during 2006–2010 to 2011–2015, respectively. Mortality was low and stable. Five-year survival was 68.7%, with significant differences according to age (hazard ratio [HR] >70 vs. ≤70 years: 3.37); histological subtype (HR for melanoma not otherwise specified and HR for nodular melanoma vs lentigo malignant melanoma and superficial spreading melanoma: 17.39 and 10.16, respectively); and clinical stage (HR stages III–IV vs. stages I–II: 5.94). CONCLUSION: CM is characterized by increasing incidence and unfavorable prognosis, particularly in patients aged >70 years, with melanoma not otherwise specified and nodular melanoma, and advanced stages. Promoting photoprotection and early detection and management of suspicious skin lesions is crucial.