Submission Type
Original Research
Abstract
Introduction: Maine has the twelfth highest incidence of melanoma in the United States. The purpose of this study was to determine which Maine counties were the most impacted by melanoma through the use of geographical methods. Identification of counties with the highest prevalence of melanoma will help in targeting future training and public health interventions.
Methods: All melanoma cases (n=5,340) reported to the Maine CDC Cancer Registry from 2013 to 2018 were sorted by pathologic T stage. Data were sorted by county and population-adjusted. Population data and provider data came from Area Health Resource Files. County and zip-code maps were constructed to highlight which counties have the greatest burden of melanoma in the state.
Results: Hancock, Knox, Sagadahoc, and Washington counties had the highest rates of late-stage melanoma cases when adjusting for age and population.
Conclusions: Through the use of geospatial methods, counties with the highest rates of late-stage melanoma were able to be identified. Particular counties of note include Hancock, Knox, Sagadahoc, and Washington. These counties were found to have the greatest need and can serve as a launch point for targeted public health interventions.
Recommended Citation
Parbs, Joshua R.; Prentiss, Madeline; Hladky, Calla; Stoddard, Henry; Stevens, Kathryn; Seiverling, Elizabeth V.; and Cyr, Peggy
(2024)
"Geographic Distribution of Melanoma Cases in Maine: Identifying Vulnerable Counties for Targeted Intervention,"
Journal of Maine Medical Center: Vol. 6
:
Iss.
1
, Article 13.
Available at:
https://doi.org/10.46804/2641-2225.1173
Supplement 1 - low risk
medium risk by county_600.jpeg (439 kB)
Supplement 2 - medium risk
high risk by county_600.jpeg (441 kB)
Supplement 3 - high risk
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Dermatology Commons, International Public Health Commons
