The World Health Organization has reported that the incidence of melanoma is increasing faster than that of any other cancer in the world. Melanoma occurs when melanocytes – melanin-producing cells – become malignant. Malignancy of melanocytes in the basal layer of the skin is referred to as primary cutaneous malignant melanoma. Unlike many other common cancers, there is no significant increase in risk for the elderly; instead, the increase in incidence is likely to be due to changes in lifestyle. In particular, the amount of and susceptibility to ultraviolet exposure are key risk factors for malignant melanoma, and are driving the increase in incidence in all age groups.

This Datamonitor Healthcare Disease Coverage report contains Forecast, Treatment, Epidemiology, Marketed Drugs, Pricing & Reimbursement, and Pipeline modules.