Factors associated with the likelihood of being diagnosed with stage I melanoma in Germany: a multicenter study on 12 648 patients from the ADOReg skin cancer registry

Abstract

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the factors associated with a higher or lower likelihood of being early diagnosed with melanoma at stage I in Germany.

Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study utilizes data from the German skin cancer registry (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Dermatologische Onkologie Registry) and included 12 648 patients with a first melanoma diagnosis in 80 hospitals between 1 January 2018 and 30 November 2024. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations between demographic and clinical variables and the likelihood of being early diagnosed with stage I melanoma.

Results: This study included 4138 patients with stage I and 8510 patients with stages II-IV melanoma. Factors including older age [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.61] for age group 71-80 years and 0.54 for age group > 80 years, compared to the age group 18-40 year, male sex (aOR: 0.73), Celtic (aOR: 0.66), mixed (aOR: 0.58), and Mediterranean (aOR: 0.31) skin types, melanomas located on the gluteal region (aOR: 0.35), scalp and neck (aOR: 0.44), lower limb (aOR: 0.51), upper limb (aOR: 0.67), and back (aOR: 0.72) and being single (aOR: 0.81) were negatively associated with an early diagnosis of stage I melanoma. Finally, a positive association was observed between a family history of skin cancer and the likelihood of being diagnosed with stage I melanoma (aOR: 1.50).

Conclusion: This study provides important insights into the demographic and clinical factors associated with early-stage melanoma diagnosis in Germany and underscores the importance of targeted interventions aimed at increasing melanoma awareness.

Keywords: cancer; early diagnosis; melanoma; risk factors; skin type.