Objective: Skin cancer was considered as the most common cancer worldwide and UV (Ultraviolet) as a major risk factor for this type of cancer. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association between UV-radiation and melanoma in Asia.
Materials and Methods: National estimates of new cases of cutaneous melanoma, herein referred to as melanoma, were obtained from GLOBOCAN 2012, with only those countries/territories with at least 10 melanoma cases (in both genders) included in the study (n = 153 countries/territories, accounting for 96% of the estimated global melanoma burden).
Results: A total of 168,000 cases of UV-related cancer were recorded in 2012, with 75.7% of all cases of melanoma and 1.2% of all cancer worldwide being exposed to UV. According to the Human Development Index (HDI) in 2012, the very high HDI with 2.63 (2.6, 2.66) of all UV-related cancers, as compared with other areas, has the most UV-related cancers. The largest number of cases of UV-related cancer was reported for Europe (78000 cases) as compared to the lowest incidence for Asia (2180 cases); the largest number of cases of UV-related cancer was reported in Israel (939 cases) in West Asia and the lowest in Malaysia (1 case) in South-East Asia. In Asia, the countries of Israel and Timor-Leste have 88.2% and 87% of the most UV-related melanomas, respectively. The highest incidence of UV-related cancers in all areas was in the age group of 50-69.
Conclusions: One of the biggest risk factors for developing skin melanoma is exposure to UV radiation. Melanoma is relatively rare in Asia than other continents. In countries where there are more cultural and occupational issues in contact with UV rays, there should be measures to reduce contact.