Melanoma in the United States, 2010–2021: national trends and state-level patterns

Melanoma survival has improved nationally, yet state-level disparities remain underexplored. We assessed melanoma burden across U.S. states from 2010 to 2021 using Global Burden of Disease 2021 data, calculating age-standardized rates for incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). States were stratified by sociodemographic index (SDI). In 2021, the U.S. recorded 90,445 incident cases and 9996 deaths. Age-standardized incidence decreased 27.7% and mortality declined 24.9% from 2010 to 2021. Males showed 2.2-fold higher mortality than females. Incidence peaked in ages 85–89 (149.7/100,000); mortality was highest in those 95+ (33.3/100,000). Geographic disparities persisted with highest incidence in Utah, Colorado, and New Hampshire and lowest in District of Columbia and Mississippi. Despite similar incidence across SDI groups, low-SDI states had significantly higher mortality (2.23 vs. 1.86/100,000 in high-SDI states, p < 0.05) and DALYs (69.6 vs. 57.0/100,000, p < 0.05). While melanoma burden declined nationally, substantial disparities persist by sex, age, and geography. Low-SDI states experience worse outcomes despite comparable incidence, suggesting gaps in early detection and treatment access. Targeted interventions addressing both modifiable factors (screening, access) and regional risks are needed to reduce disparities.