Melanoma Risk Perception and Prevention Behavior Among African-Americans: the Minority Melanoma Paradox

Overview

Journal Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol

Publisher Dove Medical Press

Specialty Dermatology

Date 2015 Sep 9

PMID 26346576

Citations 8

Authors

Alina Goldenberg

Igor Vujic

Martina Sanlorenzo

Susana Ortiz-Urda

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: Melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer with 75% of all skin cancer deaths within the US attributed to it. Risk factors for melanoma include ultraviolet exposure, genetic predisposition, and phenotypic characteristics (eg, fair skin and blond hair). Whites have a 27-fold higher incidence of melanoma than African-Americans (AA), but the 5-year survival is 17.8% lower for AA than Whites. It is reported continuously that AA have more advanced melanomas at diagnosis, and overall lower survival rates. This minority melanoma paradox is not well understood or studied.

Objective: To explore further, the possible explanations for the difference in melanoma severity and survival in AA within the US.

Methods: Qualitative review of the literature.

Results: Lack of minority-targeted public education campaigns, low self-risk perception, low self-skin examinations, intrinsic virulence, vitamin D differences, and physician mistrust may play a role in the melanoma survival disparity among AA.

Conclusion: Increases in public awareness of melanoma risk among AA through physician and media-guided education, higher index of suspicion among individuals and physicians, and policy changes can help to improve early detection and close the melanoma disparity gap in the future.

Citing Articles

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TPC2: From Blond Hair to Melanoma?.

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