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.