1178P - Melanoma incidence rises for pediatrics: 15-year nationwide retrospective cohort study in Korea (2004-2019)

Background

Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer and, although rare, is the most common skin malignancy in those under 20 years old in the United States (US), with an average annual incidence rate (IR) of 5.5-6.0 cases per million. Since the 1970s, the incidence of pediatric melanoma has increased with an average annual percent change of 2–2.9% in the US. Epidemiological knowledge and predictors of melanoma among children and adolescents (age < 20 years) in Korea are limited.

Methods

Using data from National Health Insurance (NHI) database, we identified incident melanoma cases diagnosed at 0-19 years old during 2004-2019 in Korea, respectively. Using a joinpoint regression model, associations between demographic factors and melanoma incidence rates (IR) were evaluated by calculating incidence rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

We identified a total of 1160 patients (age < 20 years) with cutaneous malignant melanoma from 2004-2019. The overall average annual melanoma incidence was 0.22 per million (95% CI, 0.21-0.23) in Korea. It increased with age (age 0-4: 0.3, age 5-9: 0.6, age 10-14: 0.6, age 15-19: 07 per 100,000 persons) but there was no difference in IR according to sex. The age-adjusted incidence of melanoma decreased 4.5% yearly from 2004 to 2012 (95% CI, -8.9%–0.1%) but increased 12.6% yearly from 2012 to 2019 (95% CI, 5.9%–19.6%). A strong correlation between melanoma IR and nevi was confirmed (OR 85.4, 95% CI 67.97 - 106.40, P < 0.001) and this was also linked to the survival rate (5-year survival rate: 97.7% vs 91.9%, P = 0.044).

Conclusions

Although the incidence of melanoma in children and adolescent is very low, it is clear that it increases in Korea. To our knowledge, this is the first report to suggest that melanoma IR trends in children and adolescent are annually increasing in Korea. Most importantly, we must increase awareness and education amongst pediatricians, internists and the general population with regard to prevention and early diagnosis of melanoma for both children and adults. In addition, the physicians should include a complete skin examination for children with congenital nevi.

Clinical trial identification

none

Editorial acknowledgement

none

Legal entity responsible for the study

Jisu Oh.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.