The incidence of melanoma is rising worldwide, and in the United States has increased by approximately 2.8% annually since 1981. Melanoma is more common in whites, and is generally more prevalent in men. However, there is a 6.1% annual increase in US incidence of melanomas in white women younger than age 44, with growing concern that increases in skin cancer in younger women may reflect recent trends in indoor tanning. Melanoma incidence is also greater in higher economic groups. Globally, melanoma incidence is highest in Australia, followed by the United States and parts of Europe.
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