Melanoma incidence and mortality in Europe: new estimates, persistent disparities.

BACKGROUND: Melanoma incidence and mortality in Europe are high but there are significant gaps in the epidemiological information available across the continent. OBJECTIVES: With the aim of enhancing the planning of educational programmes for reducing the melanoma burden in Europe, we analysed the most recent incidence and mortality data for Europe with a new focus on the regional disparities of melanoma reporting. METHODS: GLOBOCAN 2008, the standard set of worldwide estimates of cancer incidence and mortality produced by the International Agency for Research on Cancer for 2008, was used to provide the estimated age-standardized rates (world standard population) of melanoma incidence and mortality in European countries and regions. RESULTS: The estimated age-standardized incidence of melanoma (measured per 100 000 person-years) varies widely from 19·2 in Switzerland to 2·2 in Greece. The incidence rate of 4·3 of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is less than half of that of Western Europe. Melanoma mortality rates of 1·5 are similar in CEE and Western Europe, although rates vary with a high of 3·2 in Norway and a low of 0·9 in Greece. Over 20 000 deaths from melanoma were estimated in Europe in 2008, with CEE having the largest share (35·5%) among the four geographical European regions. Population-based data are lacking for significant parts of CEE, which must rely on estimates. CONCLUSIONS: The most recent estimates of melanoma incidence and mortality in Europe reveal sharp differences between European countries, possibly related to missed opportunities for early diagnosis and incomplete reporting of melanoma in Eastern Europe.

Deregulation: causes and consequences.

As a consequence of deregulation, there have been fundamental changes in the way transportation and communications firms are conducting business. Companies are finding that they must be driven by market opportunities and financial needs, not by regulatory considerations. Prices must be based on cost, operations must become more efficient, and consumer-oriented product niches must be found. Moreover, deregulation has added a new element in industrial dynamics, by fostering more relations between the various modes of transportation and by cross-fertilization in computer and telecommunication technology. All in all, a more competitive and innovative spirit emerges from deregulation.