Improving prognosis for malignant melanoma in Britain.

Analysis of a consecutive series of 225 patients with malignant melanoma in Cardiff has shown a 5 year cumulative survival rate of 73.3 per cent. This survival rate is considerably better than those reported in previous British series, equal to the high rates reported in the past from Australia, and far exceeds that of all common internal malignancies. It is suggested that the improving prognosis is associated with more accurate diagnosis and an increasing incidence of superficial spreading melanoma, a type for which earlier diagnosis might be expected to lead to improved prognosis. These facts provide a basis of optimism for future programmes of public and professional education.