Trends in socioeconomic inequalities in the incidence of cutaneous melanoma in Canada from 1992 to 2010

Background The incidence rates of cutaneous melanoma have been increasing in Canada over the past decades. This study aimed to quantify and assess trends in education- and income-related inequalities in the incidence of cutaneous melanoma in Canada (excluding territories) from 1992 to 2010. Methods Data for the analyses were obtained from the Canadian Cancer Registry (CCR), the Canadian Census of Population (CCP), and the National Household Survey (NHS). The concentration index (C) approach was used to quantify income- and education-related inequalities in the incidence rates of cutaneous melanoma. Trend analyses were performed to evaluate changes in inequalities over the study period. Results Incidence rates of cutaneous melanoma increased across Canada from 1992 to 2010. The age-adjusted value of C showed a greater concentration of cutaneous melanoma amongst Canadians with higher incomes. Although the age-adjusted value of C did not suggest a significant education-related inequality in the incidence rates, the trend analyses indicate that, with time, incidence rates are becoming more concentrated amongst both males and females with lower levels of education. Conclusions Incidence rates of melanoma are rising across Canada and are higher amongst individuals with higher income. Our analyses suggest that incidence rates of melanoma are becoming more concentrated amongst Canadians with lower levels of education. Consequently, campaigns and public policies related to the prevention of melanoma in Canada should focus on Canadians with higher income and lower levels of education.