Melanoma surveillance in the United States
Authors: Marcus Plescia, Pamela Protzel Berman, Mary C. White
Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2011)

CME InstructionsPlease note this is one article that is part of a 16-article CME supplement. CME credit should only be claimed after reading the entire supplement which can be accessed via the "Melanoma Supplement" tab under the "Collections By Type" pulldown menu on http://www.jaad.org.This journal supplement is a CME activity (enduring material) co-sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is made up of four phases:1.Reading of the CME Information (delineated below)2.Reading all the articles in this supplement3.Achievement of a 70% or higher on the online Post Test4.Completion of the CME EvaluationCME Information and DisclosuresStatement of Need:Healthcare providers continue to underreport melanoma even though cancer reporting requirements mandate such reporting. Additionally, providers may be unaware of recent trends and descriptive epidemiology regarding melanoma which includes the fact that nonwhites have a higher mortality rate from melanoma than do whites.Target Audience:Dermatologists, dermatopathologists, general physicians, and public health professionals.AccreditationThe American Academy of Dermatology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.AMA PRA Credit DesignationThe American Academy of Dermatology designates this enduring material for a maximum of 7 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.AAD Recognized CreditThis CME activity is recognized by the American Academy of Dermatology for 7 AAD Recognized Credits and may be used toward the American Academy of Dermatology's Continuing Medical Education Award.Disclaimer:The American Academy of Dermatology is not responsible for statements made by the author(s). Statement or opinions expressed in this activity reflect the views of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy of the American Academy of Dermatology. The information provided in this CME activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for independent medical judgment of a health provider relative to the diagnostic, management and treatment options of a specific patient's medical condition.DisclosuresEditorsThe editors involved with this CME activity and all content validation/peer reviewers of the CME activity have reported no relevant financial relationships with commercial interest(s).AuthorsThe authors of this CME activity have reported no relevant financial relationships with commercial interest(s).PlannersThe planners involved with this CME activity have reported no relevant financial relationships with commercial interest(s). The editorial and education staff involved with this CME activity have reported no relevant financial relationships with commercial interest(s).Resolutions of Conflicts of InterestIn accordance with the ACCME Standards for Commercial Support of CME, the American Academy of Dermatology has implemented mechanisms, prior to the planning and implementation of this CME activity, to identify and mitigate conflits of interest for all individuals in a position to control the content of this CME activity.Learning ObjectivesAfter completing this learning activity, participants should be able to describe recent trends in the epidemiologic patterns of melanoma, including ethnic disparities in melanoma mortality; identify when a private practice dermatologist is required to report melanoma cases to a cancer registry; locate and access central cancer reporting registries (http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/npcr/contacts.asp); and recognize and access national and state-based sources on surveillance systems for sun protection behaviors.Date of release: November 2011Expiration date: November 2014© 2011 by the American Academy of Dermatology, Inc.doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2011.05.031Technical requirements:American Academy of Dermatology:•Supported browsers: FireFox (3 and higher), Google Chrome (5 and higher), Internet Explorer (7 and higher), Safari (5 and higher), Opera (10 and higher).•JavaScript needs to be enabled.Elsevier:Technical RequirementsThis website can be viewed on a PC or Mac. We recommend a minimum of:•PC: Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows XP•Mac: OS X•128MB RAM•Processor speed of 500MHz or higher•800x600 color monitor•Video or graphics card•Sound card and speakersProvider Contact Information:American Academy of DermatologyPhone: Toll-free: (866) 503-SKIN (7546); International: (847) 240-1280Fax: (847) 240-1859Mail: P.O. Box 4014; Schaumburg, IL 60168Confidentiality Statement:American Academy of Dermatology: POLICY ON PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITYPrivacy Policy - The American Academy of Dermatology (the Academy) is committed to maintaining the privacy of the personal information of visitors to its sites. Our policies are designed to disclose the information collected and how it will be used. This policy applies solely to the information provided while visiting this website. The terms of the privacy policy do not govern personal information furnished through any means other than this website (such as by telephone or mail).E-mail Addresses and Other Personal Information - Personal information such as postal and e-mail address may be used internally for maintaining member records, marketing purposes, and alerting customers or members of additional services available. Phone numbers may also be used by the Academy when questions about products or services ordered arise. The Academy will not reveal any information about an individual user to third parties except to comply with applicable laws or valid legal processes.Cookies - A cookie is a small file stored on the site user's computer or Web server and is used to aid Web navigation. Session cookies are temporary files created when a user signs in on the website or uses the personalized features (such as keeping track of items in the shopping cart). Session cookies are removed when a user logs off or when the browser is closed. Persistent cookies are permanent files and must be deleted manually. Tracking or other information collected from persistent cookies or any session cookie is used strictly for the user's efficient navigation of the site.Links - This site may contain links to other sites. The Academy is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such websites.Children - This website is not designed or intended to attract children under the age of 13. The Academy does not collect personal information from anyone it knows is under the age of 13.Elsevier: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/privacypolicy.cws_home/privacypolicyThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with partners in the cancer research community and state health departments, is pleased to support this series of important articles on "Melanoma Surveillance in the United States." This supplement represents advancements in our knowledge of melanoma incidence and trends and provides the most comprehensive, state-by-state examination of the status of melanoma cancer in the United States to date. A common and largely preventable disease, it is important to monitor and watch trends to identify opportunities for action. CDC's National Program of Cancer Registries provides the foundation for melanoma surveillance and offers opportunities to ensure treatment quality and use cancer registry data to drive decision making on policy and systems change. These data can also be used to guide future prevention efforts and tailor early detection and primary prevention efforts to communities with the greatest needs.CDC has been building the science base for chronic disease prevention and health promotion to improve the health of Americans. This series continues to enhance our knowledge of what works and what more needs to be done to lessen the burden of melanoma in the United States. The cost of cancer extends beyond the number of lives cut short and new diagnoses each year. Persons with melanoma, and their family members, friends, and caregivers, may face physical, emotional, social, and economic challenges as a result of their cancer diagnosis and treatment. New analyses conducted by CDC health economists in this supplement identify the costs associated with melanoma to understand the impact of the disease on society and allow us to make the business case for prevention and policy change. CDC's Comprehensive Cancer Control Programs in states, territories, and tribal organizations provide opportunities to develop and implement policy, system, and environmental changes that can reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation and thereby prevent skin cancer, increase access to quality treatment, and address the long-term needs of cancer survivors.This series of articles is the result of several years' work and thoughtful consideration of a wide range of issues involving many participants. The focus on melanoma is timely and appropriate as we press ahead to accelerate community transformation to translate scientific knowledge into effective public health efforts. We appreciate the in-kind support from all the contributors to this supplement. We are also grateful for the guidance provided by the project steering committee members: Umed Ajani, Appathurai Balamurugan, David Buller, Suephy Chen, Vivien Chen, Myles Cockburn, Alan Geller, Karen Glanz, Jeannette Jackson-Thompson, Ahmedin Jemal, Chris Johnson, Jessica King, Sue-Min Lai, Mary B. Lewis, Brian Pollack, Loria Pollack, Tom Richards, Sun Hee Rim, Mona Saraiya, Recinda Sherman, Simple Singh, Cheryll Thomas, Julie Townsend, Meg Watson, Hannah Weir, and Xiao-Cheng Wu. Our gratitude also goes to editorial and graphic services at the CDC, especially Fonda Martin and Rick Hull. We would like to give special thanks to Suephy Chen at Emory University for dermatologic consultation, editing, and review. The dedication and leadership from Meg Watson and Mona Saraiya of the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control is reflected in this informative and important supplement.Marcus Plescia, MD, MPH, DirectorPamela Protzel Berman, MPH, Doctoral Candidate, Deputy DirectorMary C. White, ScD, Chief, Epidemiology and Applied Research BranchDivision of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CME InstructionsPlease note this is one article that is part of a 16-article CME supplement. CME credit should only be claimed after reading the entire supplement which can be accessed via the "Melanoma Supplement" tab under the "Collections By Type" pulldown menu on http://www.jaad.org.This journal supplement is a CME activity (enduring material) co-sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is made up of four phases:1.Reading of the CME Information (delineated below)2.Reading all the articles in this supplement3.Achievement of a 70% or higher on the online Post Test4.Completion of the CME EvaluationCME Information and DisclosuresStatement of Need:Healthcare providers continue to underreport melanoma even though cancer reporting requirements mandate such reporting. Additionally, providers may be unaware of recent trends and descriptive epidemiology regarding melanoma which includes the fact that nonwhites have a higher mortality rate from melanoma than do whites.Target Audience:Dermatologists, dermatopathologists, general physicians, and public health professionals.AccreditationThe American Academy of Dermatology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.AMA PRA Credit DesignationThe American Academy of Dermatology designates this enduring material for a maximum of 7 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.AAD Recognized CreditThis CME activity is recognized by the American Academy of Dermatology for 7 AAD Recognized Credits and may be used toward the American Academy of Dermatology's Continuing Medical Education Award.Disclaimer:The American Academy of Dermatology is not responsible for statements made by the author(s). Statement or opinions expressed in this activity reflect the views of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy of the American Academy of Dermatology. The information provided in this CME activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for independent medical judgment of a health provider relative to the diagnostic, management and treatment options of a specific patient's medical condition.DisclosuresEditorsThe editors involved with this CME activity and all content validation/peer reviewers of the CME activity have reported no relevant financial relationships with commercial interest(s).AuthorsThe authors of this CME activity have reported no relevant financial relationships with commercial interest(s).PlannersThe planners involved with this CME activity have reported no relevant financial relationships with commercial interest(s). The editorial and education staff involved with this CME activity have reported no relevant financial relationships with commercial interest(s).Resolutions of Conflicts of InterestIn accordance with the ACCME Standards for Commercial Support of CME, the American Academy of Dermatology has implemented mechanisms, prior to the planning and implementation of this CME activity, to identify and mitigate conflits of interest for all individuals in a position to control the content of this CME activity.Learning ObjectivesAfter completing this learning activity, participants should be able to describe recent trends in the epidemiologic patterns of melanoma, including ethnic disparities in melanoma mortality; identify when a private practice dermatologist is required to report melanoma cases to a cancer registry; locate and access central cancer reporting registries (http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/npcr/contacts.asp); and recognize and access national and state-based sources on surveillance systems for sun protection behaviors.Date of release: November 2011Expiration date: November 2014© 2011 by the American Academy of Dermatology, Inc.doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2011.05.031Technical requirements:American Academy of Dermatology:•Supported browsers: FireFox (3 and higher), Google Chrome (5 and higher), Internet Explorer (7 and higher), Safari (5 and higher), Opera (10 and higher).•JavaScript needs to be enabled.Elsevier:Technical RequirementsThis website can be viewed on a PC or Mac. We recommend a minimum of:•PC: Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows XP•Mac: OS X•128MB RAM•Processor speed of 500MHz or higher•800x600 color monitor•Video or graphics card•Sound card and speakersProvider Contact Information:American Academy of DermatologyPhone: Toll-free: (866) 503-SKIN (7546); International: (847) 240-1280Fax: (847) 240-1859Mail: P.O. Box 4014; Schaumburg, IL 60168Confidentiality Statement:American Academy of Dermatology: POLICY ON PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITYPrivacy Policy - The American Academy of Dermatology (the Academy) is committed to maintaining the privacy of the personal information of visitors to its sites. Our policies are designed to disclose the information collected and how it will be used. This policy applies solely to the information provided while visiting this website. The terms of the privacy policy do not govern personal information furnished through any means other than this website (such as by telephone or mail).E-mail Addresses and Other Personal Information - Personal information such as postal and e-mail address may be used internally for maintaining member records, marketing purposes, and alerting customers or members of additional services available. Phone numbers may also be used by the Academy when questions about products or services ordered arise. The Academy will not reveal any information about an individual user to third parties except to comply with applicable laws or valid legal processes.Cookies - A cookie is a small file stored on the site user's computer or Web server and is used to aid Web navigation. Session cookies are temporary files created when a user signs in on the website or uses the personalized features (such as keeping track of items in the shopping cart). Session cookies are removed when a user logs off or when the browser is closed. Persistent cookies are permanent files and must be deleted manually. Tracking or other information collected from persistent cookies or any session cookie is used strictly for the user's efficient navigation of the site.Links - This site may contain links to other sites. The Academy is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such websites.Children - This website is not designed or intended to attract children under the age of 13. The Academy does not collect personal information from anyone it knows is under the age of 13.Elsevier: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/privacypolicy.cws_home/privacypolicy Please note this is one article that is part of a 16-article CME supplement. CME credit should only be claimed after reading the entire supplement which can be accessed via the "Melanoma Supplement" tab under the "Collections By Type" pulldown menu on http://www.jaad.org.This journal supplement is a CME activity (enduring material) co-sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is made up of four phases:1.Reading of the CME Information (delineated below)2.Reading all the articles in this supplement3.Achievement of a 70% or higher on the online Post Test4.Completion of the CME EvaluationCME Information and DisclosuresStatement of Need:Healthcare providers continue to underreport melanoma even though cancer reporting requirements mandate such reporting. Additionally, providers may be unaware of recent trends and descriptive epidemiology regarding melanoma which includes the fact that nonwhites have a higher mortality rate from melanoma than do whites.Target Audience:Dermatologists, dermatopathologists, general physicians, and public health professionals.AccreditationThe American Academy of Dermatology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.AMA PRA Credit DesignationThe American Academy of Dermatology designates this enduring material for a maximum of 7 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.AAD Recognized CreditThis CME activity is recognized by the American Academy of Dermatology for 7 AAD Recognized Credits and may be used toward the American Academy of Dermatology's Continuing Medical Education Award.Disclaimer:The American Academy of Dermatology is not responsible for statements made by the author(s). Statement or opinions expressed in this activity reflect the views of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy of the American Academy of Dermatology. The information provided in this CME activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for independent medical judgment of a health provider relative to the diagnostic, management and treatment options of a specific patient's medical condition.DisclosuresEditorsThe editors involved with this CME activity and all content validation/peer reviewers of the CME activity have reported no relevant financial relationships with commercial interest(s).AuthorsThe authors of this CME activity have reported no relevant financial relationships with commercial interest(s).PlannersThe planners involved with this CME activity have reported no relevant financial relationships with commercial interest(s). The editorial and education staff involved with this CME activity have reported no relevant financial relationships with commercial interest(s).Resolutions of Conflicts of InterestIn accordance with the ACCME Standards for Commercial Support of CME, the American Academy of Dermatology has implemented mechanisms, prior to the planning and implementation of this CME activity, to identify and mitigate conflits of interest for all individuals in a position to control the content of this CME activity.Learning ObjectivesAfter completing this learning activity, participants should be able to describe recent trends in the epidemiologic patterns of melanoma, including ethnic disparities in melanoma mortality; identify when a private practice dermatologist is required to report melanoma cases to a cancer registry; locate and access central cancer reporting registries (http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/npcr/contacts.asp); and recognize and access national and state-based sources on surveillance systems for sun protection behaviors.Date of release: November 2011Expiration date: November 2014© 2011 by the American Academy of Dermatology, Inc.doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2011.05.031Technical requirements:American Academy of Dermatology:•Supported browsers: FireFox (3 and higher), Google Chrome (5 and higher), Internet Explorer (7 and higher), Safari (5 and higher), Opera (10 and higher).•JavaScript needs to be enabled.Elsevier:Technical RequirementsThis website can be viewed on a PC or Mac. We recommend a minimum of:•PC: Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows XP•Mac: OS X•128MB RAM•Processor speed of 500MHz or higher•800x600 color monitor•Video or graphics card•Sound card and speakersProvider Contact Information:American Academy of DermatologyPhone: Toll-free: (866) 503-SKIN (7546); International: (847) 240-1280Fax: (847) 240-1859Mail: P.O. Box 4014; Schaumburg, IL 60168Confidentiality Statement:American Academy of Dermatology: POLICY ON PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITYPrivacy Policy - The American Academy of Dermatology (the Academy) is committed to maintaining the privacy of the personal information of visitors to its sites. Our policies are designed to disclose the information collected and how it will be used. This policy applies solely to the information provided while visiting this website. The terms of the privacy policy do not govern personal information furnished through any means other than this website (such as by telephone or mail).E-mail Addresses and Other Personal Information - Personal information such as postal and e-mail address may be used internally for maintaining member records, marketing purposes, and alerting customers or members of additional services available. Phone numbers may also be used by the Academy when questions about products or services ordered arise. The Academy will not reveal any information about an individual user to third parties except to comply with applicable laws or valid legal processes.Cookies - A cookie is a small file stored on the site user's computer or Web server and is used to aid Web navigation. Session cookies are temporary files created when a user signs in on the website or uses the personalized features (such as keeping track of items in the shopping cart). Session cookies are removed when a user logs off or when the browser is closed. Persistent cookies are permanent files and must be deleted manually. Tracking or other information collected from persistent cookies or any session cookie is used strictly for the user's efficient navigation of the site.Links - This site may contain links to other sites. The Academy is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such websites.Children - This website is not designed or intended to attract children under the age of 13. The Academy does not collect personal information from anyone it knows is under the age of 13.Elsevier: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/privacypolicy.cws_home/privacypolicy Please note this is one article that is part of a 16-article CME supplement. CME credit should only be claimed after reading the entire supplement which can be accessed via the "Melanoma Supplement" tab under the "Collections By Type" pulldown menu on http://www.jaad.org. This journal supplement is a CME activity (enduring material) co-sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is made up of four phases:1.Reading of the CME Information (delineated below)2.Reading all the articles in this supplement3.Achievement of a 70% or higher on the online Post Test4.Completion of the CME Evaluation CME Information and DisclosuresStatement of Need:Healthcare providers continue to underreport melanoma even though cancer reporting requirements mandate such reporting. Additionally, providers may be unaware of recent trends and descriptive epidemiology regarding melanoma which includes the fact that nonwhites have a higher mortality rate from melanoma than do whites.Target Audience:Dermatologists, dermatopathologists, general physicians, and public health professionals.AccreditationThe American Academy of Dermatology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.AMA PRA Credit DesignationThe American Academy of Dermatology designates this enduring material for a maximum of 7 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.AAD Recognized CreditThis CME activity is recognized by the American Academy of Dermatology for 7 AAD Recognized Credits and may be used toward the American Academy of Dermatology's Continuing Medical Education Award.Disclaimer:The American Academy of Dermatology is not responsible for statements made by the author(s). Statement or opinions expressed in this activity reflect the views of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy of the American Academy of Dermatology. The information provided in this CME activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for independent medical judgment of a health provider relative to the diagnostic, management and treatment options of a specific patient's medical condition.DisclosuresEditorsThe editors involved with this CME activity and all content validation/peer reviewers of the CME activity have reported no relevant financial relationships with commercial interest(s).AuthorsThe authors of this CME activity have reported no relevant financial relationships with commercial interest(s).PlannersThe planners involved with this CME activity have reported no relevant financial relationships with commercial interest(s). The editorial and education staff involved with this CME activity have reported no relevant financial relationships with commercial interest(s).Resolutions of Conflicts of InterestIn accordance with the ACCME Standards for Commercial Support of CME, the American Academy of Dermatology has implemented mechanisms, prior to the planning and implementation of this CME activity, to identify and mitigate conflits of interest for all individuals in a position to control the content of this CME activity.Learning ObjectivesAfter completing this learning activity, participants should be able to describe recent trends in the epidemiologic patterns of melanoma, including ethnic disparities in melanoma mortality; identify when a private practice dermatologist is required to report melanoma cases to a cancer registry; locate and access central cancer reporting registries (http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/npcr/contacts.asp); and recognize and access national and state-based sources on surveillance systems for sun protection behaviors.Date of release: November 2011Expiration date: November 2014© 2011 by the American Academy of Dermatology, Inc.doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2011.05.031Technical requirements:American Academy of Dermatology:•Supported browsers: FireFox (3 and higher), Google Chrome (5 and higher), Internet Explorer (7 and higher), Safari (5 and higher), Opera (10 and higher).•JavaScript needs to be enabled.Elsevier:Technical RequirementsThis website can be viewed on a PC or Mac. We recommend a minimum of:•PC: Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows XP•Mac: OS X•128MB RAM•Processor speed of 500MHz or higher•800x600 color monitor•Video or graphics card•Sound card and speakersProvider Contact Information:American Academy of DermatologyPhone: Toll-free: (866) 503-SKIN (7546); International: (847) 240-1280Fax: (847) 240-1859Mail: P.O. Box 4014; Schaumburg, IL 60168Confidentiality Statement:American Academy of Dermatology: POLICY ON PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITYPrivacy Policy - The American Academy of Dermatology (the Academy) is committed to maintaining the privacy of the personal information of visitors to its sites. Our policies are designed to disclose the information collected and how it will be used. This policy applies solely to the information provided while visiting this website. The terms of the privacy policy do not govern personal information furnished through any means other than this website (such as by telephone or mail).E-mail Addresses and Other Personal Information - Personal information such as postal and e-mail address may be used internally for maintaining member records, marketing purposes, and alerting customers or members of additional services available. Phone numbers may also be used by the Academy when questions about products or services ordered arise. The Academy will not reveal any information about an individual user to third parties except to comply with applicable laws or valid legal processes.Cookies - A cookie is a small file stored on the site user's computer or Web server and is used to aid Web navigation. Session cookies are temporary files created when a user signs in on the website or uses the personalized features (such as keeping track of items in the shopping cart). Session cookies are removed when a user logs off or when the browser is closed. Persistent cookies are permanent files and must be deleted manually. Tracking or other information collected from persistent cookies or any session cookie is used strictly for the user's efficient navigation of the site.Links - This site may contain links to other sites. The Academy is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such websites.Children - This website is not designed or intended to attract children under the age of 13. The Academy does not collect personal information from anyone it knows is under the age of 13.Elsevier: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/privacypolicy.cws_home/privacypolicy Statement of Need: Healthcare providers continue to underreport melanoma even though cancer reporting requirements mandate such reporting. Additionally, providers may be unaware of recent trends and descriptive epidemiology regarding melanoma which includes the fact that nonwhites have a higher mortality rate from melanoma than do whites. Target Audience: Dermatologists, dermatopathologists, general physicians, and public health professionals. Accreditation The American Academy of Dermatology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. AMA PRA Credit Designation The American Academy of Dermatology designates this enduring material for a maximum of 7 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. AAD Recognized Credit This CME activity is recognized by the American Academy of Dermatology for 7 AAD Recognized Credits and may be used toward the American Academy of Dermatology's Continuing Medical Education Award. Disclaimer: The American Academy of Dermatology is not responsible for statements made by the author(s). Statement or opinions expressed in this activity reflect the views of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy of the American Academy of Dermatology. The information provided in this CME activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for independent medical judgment of a health provider relative to the diagnostic, management and treatment options of a specific patient's medical condition. Disclosures Editors The editors involved with this CME activity and all content validation/peer reviewers of the CME activity have reported no relevant financial relationships with commercial interest(s). Authors The authors of this CME activity have reported no relevant financial relationships with commercial interest(s). Planners The planners involved with this CME activity have reported no relevant financial relationships with commercial interest(s). The editorial and education staff involved with this CME activity have reported no relevant financial relationships with commercial interest(s). Resolutions of Conflicts of Interest In accordance with the ACCME Standards for Commercial Support of CME, the American Academy of Dermatology has implemented mechanisms, prior to the planning and implementation of this CME activity, to identify and mitigate conflits of interest for all individuals in a position to control the content of this CME activity. Learning Objectives After completing this learning activity, participants should be able to describe recent trends in the epidemiologic patterns of melanoma, including ethnic disparities in melanoma mortality; identify when a private practice dermatologist is required to report melanoma cases to a cancer registry; locate and access central cancer reporting registries (http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/npcr/contacts.asp); and recognize and access national and state-based sources on surveillance systems for sun protection behaviors. Date of release: November 2011 Expiration date: November 2014 © 2011 by the American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2011.05.031 Technical requirements: American Academy of Dermatology:•Supported browsers: FireFox (3 and higher), Google Chrome (5 and higher), Internet Explorer (7 and higher), Safari (5 and higher), Opera (10 and higher).•JavaScript needs to be enabled. Elsevier: Technical Requirements This website can be viewed on a PC or Mac. We recommend a minimum of:•PC: Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows XP•Mac: OS X•128MB RAM•Processor speed of 500MHz or higher•800x600 color monitor•Video or graphics card•Sound card and speakers Provider Contact Information: American Academy of Dermatology Phone: Toll-free: (866) 503-SKIN (7546); International: (847) 240-1280 Fax: (847) 240-1859 Mail: P.O. Box 4014; Schaumburg, IL 60168 Confidentiality Statement: American Academy of Dermatology: POLICY ON PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY Privacy Policy - The American Academy of Dermatology (the Academy) is committed to maintaining the privacy of the personal information of visitors to its sites. Our policies are designed to disclose the information collected and how it will be used. This policy applies solely to the information provided while visiting this website. The terms of the privacy policy do not govern personal information furnished through any means other than this website (such as by telephone or mail). E-mail Addresses and Other Personal Information - Personal information such as postal and e-mail address may be used internally for maintaining member records, marketing purposes, and alerting customers or members of additional services available. Phone numbers may also be used by the Academy when questions about products or services ordered arise. The Academy will not reveal any information about an individual user to third parties except to comply with applicable laws or valid legal processes. Cookies - A cookie is a small file stored on the site user's computer or Web server and is used to aid Web navigation. Session cookies are temporary files created when a user signs in on the website or uses the personalized features (such as keeping track of items in the shopping cart). Session cookies are removed when a user logs off or when the browser is closed. Persistent cookies are permanent files and must be deleted manually. Tracking or other information collected from persistent cookies or any session cookie is used strictly for the user's efficient navigation of the site. Links - This site may contain links to other sites. The Academy is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such websites. Children - This website is not designed or intended to attract children under the age of 13. The Academy does not collect personal information from anyone it knows is under the age of 13. Elsevier: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/privacypolicy.cws_home/privacypolicy The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with partners in the cancer research community and state health departments, is pleased to support this series of important articles on "Melanoma Surveillance in the United States." This supplement represents advancements in our knowledge of melanoma incidence and trends and provides the most comprehensive, state-by-state examination of the status of melanoma cancer in the United States to date. A common and largely preventable disease, it is important to monitor and watch trends to identify opportunities for action. CDC's National Program of Cancer Registries provides the foundation for melanoma surveillance and offers opportunities to ensure treatment quality and use cancer registry data to drive decision making on policy and systems change. These data can also be used to guide future prevention efforts and tailor early detection and primary prevention efforts to communities with the greatest needs. CDC has been building the science base for chronic disease prevention and health promotion to improve the health of Americans. This series continues to enhance our knowledge of what works and what more needs to be done to lessen the burden of melanoma in the United States. The cost of cancer extends beyond the number of lives cut short and new diagnoses each year. Persons with melanoma, and their family members, friends, and caregivers, may face physical, emotional, social, and economic challenges as a result of their cancer diagnosis and treatment. New analyses conducted by CDC health economists in this supplement identify the costs associated with melanoma to understand the impact of the disease on society and allow us to make the business case for prevention and policy change. CDC's Comprehensive Cancer Control Programs in states, territories, and tribal organizations provide opportunities to develop and implement policy, system, and environmental changes that can reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation and thereby prevent skin cancer, increase access to quality treatment, and address the long-term needs of cancer survivors. This series of articles is the result of several years' work and thoughtful consideration of a wide range of issues involving many participants. The focus on melanoma is timely and appropriate as we press ahead to accelerate community transformation to translate scientific knowledge into effective public health efforts. We appreciate the in-kind support from all the contributors to this supplement. We are also grateful for the guidance provided by the project steering committee members: Umed Ajani, Appathurai Balamurugan, David Buller, Suephy Chen, Vivien Chen, Myles Cockburn, Alan Geller, Karen Glanz, Jeannette Jackson-Thompson, Ahmedin Jemal, Chris Johnson, Jessica King, Sue-Min Lai, Mary B. Lewis, Brian Pollack, Loria Pollack, Tom Richards, Sun Hee Rim, Mona Saraiya, Recinda Sherman, Simple Singh, Cheryll Thomas, Julie Townsend, Meg Watson, Hannah Weir, and Xiao-Cheng Wu. Our gratitude also goes to editorial and graphic services at the CDC, especially Fonda Martin and Rick Hull. We would like to give special thanks to Suephy Chen at Emory University for dermatologic consultation, editing, and review. The dedication and leadership from Meg Watson and Mona Saraiya of the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control is reflected in this informative and important supplement. Marcus Plescia, MD, MPH, Director Pamela Protzel Berman, MPH, Doctoral Candidate, Deputy Director Mary C. White, ScD, Chief, Epidemiology and Applied Research Branch Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention