Temporal trends in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer mortality in Colombia, 2008-2022.

Abstract

Objective:  To characterize temporal trends in mortality from melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer in Colombia between 2008 and 2022.

Methods:  A temporal trend study of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer mortality in Colombia from 2008 to 2022 was conducted using death records reported by the Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE). Mortality rates were estimated according to sex, age, and area of residence.

Results:  A total of 11,891 deaths were identified, including 4,874 due to melanoma and 7,017 due to non-melanoma skin cancer. Among deaths from melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, 52.6% and 54.1%, respectively, occurred in men, compared with 47.4% and 45.9%, respectively, in women. Mortality from non-melanoma skin cancer showed an increasing trend from 2020 onward, rising by 18.5% in women and 15.8% in men. In contrast, melanoma mortality remained stable in recent years.

Conclusion:  Mortality from non-melanoma skin cancer in Colombia shows an increasing trend, whereas melanoma mortality has stabilized. Mortality is more frequent among men, individuals older than 65 years, and residents of urban areas. This pattern contrasts with the decline observed in high-income countries, where prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment have been fundamental to improving prognosis.