melanoma in New Zealand 1994–2004

Aim To examine the incidence of thick melanoma in New Zealand from 1994–2004 and investigate associations with melanoma thickness. Method The New Zealand Health Information Service provided information on all registrations for malignant melanoma from 1994–2004. Age-standardised registration rates were calculated. Logistic regression analysis was undertaken to identify factors associated with melanoma thickness. Results The incidence of thick melanoma did not decrease during 1994–2004. There were statistically significant associations for age, gender, ethnic group, and type of melanoma with melanoma thickness. Of those diagnosed with melanoma, the proportion with thick melanoma was greater for older than younger people, for males compared with females, for Māori compared with non-Māori (despite the lower incidence in Māori), and for those diagnosed with nodular melanoma compared with other types of melanoma. Conclusion Strategies to encourage the early detection of melanoma in New Zealan