Late-stage Melanoma Incidence Rate is Highest Among Non-Hispanic Black Patients

Black patients have the highest percentage of late-stage melanoma diagnoses and higher mortality rates than other patients, according to a recent study published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.

“In this study, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data were used to examine the incidence and survival in patients with melanoma concerning race in Wayne County, Michigan,” explained the study authors.

Results showed significantly higher melanoma-specific death in non-Hispanic Black patients compared to non-Hispanic White patients (P<.001). The risk of death was not increased after adjusting for the stage, age, and sex.

“Non-Hispanic Black patients have the highest percentage of late-stage melanoma,” concluded the study authors. “Increased incidence of melanoma mortality in non-Hispanic Black patients is likely a consequence of late-stage diagnosis,” they added.

Reference
Brady J, Kashlan R, Ruterbusch J, Farshchian M, Moossavi M. Racial disparities in patients with melanoma: a multivariate survival analysis. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021;14:547-550. doi:10.2147/CCID.S311694