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Geographical
variations in melanoma incidence are major. Both descriptive and analytic
studies support the importance of exposure to sunshine (sunbathing) and the
population’s susceptibility towards sun exposure [14]. Traditionally, the
highest incidence rates were found in white populations residing close to
the Equator, but this has not proven to be a consistent pattern since
European incidence rates are higher in Norway or Sweden than in Spain or
Italy. This fact suggests the importance of personal characteristics (hair
colour, skin type, presence of naevi) [15-18]. |
