Open AccessThe geography of melanoma in South Australia
Author(s) -
Heard Adrian R.,
Coventry Brendon J.,
Milanowski Bridget,
Taylor Danielle
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.946
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1753-6405
pISSN - 1326-0200
DOI - 10.1111/j.1753-6405.2009.00354.x
Subject(s) - geography , incidence (geometry) , metropolitan area , distribution (mathematics) , population , socioeconomics , demography , medicine , environmental health , archaeology , mathematical analysis , physics , mathematics , sociology , optics
Objective:We sought to determine the distribution of melanoma in South Australia with respect to the relative incidence and mortality in coastal/river versus inland areas and metropolitan versus regional/remote areas, and to outline the public health implications of this distribution.Methods:All melanoma cases and deaths for the period 1985‐2004 for Adelaide and 11 regional centres were geo‐coded and then allocated to ABS collection districts. Collection districts with a centroid within 2 km of the coast or River Murray were determined using mapping software.Results:Melanoma incidence is higher in coastal South Australia (OR=1.19) and near the River Murray (OR=1.25) than in inland South Australia. This geographical effect remains after adjustment for age and socio‐economic status. Incidence is also higher in metropolitan Adelaide than in regional areas (OR=1.10). For melanoma mortality there is no significant effect of living near the coast or river, and no effect of living in regional areas.Conclusion:Living near the coast or River Murray in South Australia is associated with an increased risk of being diagnosed with melanoma.Implications:Melanoma prevention and acute care programs can be usefully targeted at persons living in coastal and riverine areas, where there is a significant excess of melanoma incidence. This target population is older than inland populations and will require interventions appropriate for aged communities.