The epidemiology of malignant melanoma in Louisiana and beyond.

The worldwide incidence of melanoma has reached epidemic proportions. One in 70 white Americans will develop melanoma in their lifetime. The global melanoma pandemic has particular relevance to the population of Louisiana. As habitants of the Sportsman's Paradise, much of our leisure time is spent outdoors hunting, fishing, and boating. The oil refining, ship-building, and agricultural industries demand outdoor work as well. Given that the incidence of melanoma in Louisiana has doubled over the past decade, a thorough knowledge of melanoma epidemiology, risk factors, and preventive strategies is necessary for physicians to reduce the mortality of this deadly disease.