Melanoma Incidence Drops During COVID-19 Pandemic: New Study Unveils Surprising Trends

Findings: 

• Between 2018 and 2019, incidence rates for in situ melanoma remained largely stable, showing a minimal percentage change (PC) of -0.36%.
• However, a striking decrease of -24.52% was observed in 2020 compared to the preceding year, particularly pronounced among older individuals (-27.51%), males (-26.40%), and non-Hispanic White patients (-23.35%). 
• Incidence rates for invasive melanoma in 2019 exhibited minimal deviation from 2018, with a PC of -0.12%. Nevertheless, a significant decline of -19.51% was noted in 2020 in contrast to the previous year, predominantly affecting non-Hispanic White patients. 
• The study also identified substantial reductions in the incidence rates of various melanoma subtypes in 2020, including superficial spreading melanomas, T1 melanomas, nonulcerated melanomas, and nonmitogenic melanomas.
• The Incidence of stage I melanomas likewise decreased in 2020, whereas other stages remained relatively stable.  

The study suggests that the decline in melanoma diagnoses could be linked to reduced access to dermatologic care and a decrease in skin cancer screening examinations during the pandemic. Nevertheless, it's essential to acknowledge the study's limitations, including the possibility of underreported melanoma cases, particularly in smaller dermatology practices. 

Further reading: Kim DY, Hartman RI. Incidence of In Situ and Invasive Cutaneous Melanomas During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the US. JAMA Dermatol. Published online September 06, 2023. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.2712