Melanoma, a type of skin cancer that is aggressive and responsible for 75% of all skin cancer-related deaths, is often diagnosed at a later stage in individuals with darker skin tones. A new study from the Mayo Clinic has shown that this delay in diagnosis can have devastating consequences. While melanoma is less commonly found in people with darker skin tones compared to those with fair skin, it is still a potentially serious issue.The research, involving 492,597 patients diagnosed with melanoma, indicates the importance of early screening for all individuals, as cancer can affect anyone. The findings highlight the need for increased vigilance, particularly among Black men, as their melanoma cases are often detected at later stages, resulting in poorer outcomes compared to white patients.
Dr. Tina Hieken, a surgical oncologist and senior author of the study at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, emphasizes the significant differences in disease presentation between non-Hispanic Black patients and white patients. There is a higher incidence of extremity melanoma and later-stage disease among Black patients, underscoring the disparities in cancer outcomes. Extremity melanoma is a significant concern identified in the study.
The article discusses the varying rates of skin cancer in different demographic groups, specifically noting that Black female patients with melanoma fare better than Black male patients. It also highlights the differences in sex-based immune response, with men being older at diagnosis and more likely to have cancer that had spread to their lymph nodes compared to women, resulting in worse survival rates for men. The article emphasizes the need for further research to determine the underlying factors contributing to these disparities.
Melanoma patients who identify as Black have a 42% chance of surviving for five years, while Black women have a 71% chance of survival. Most research on melanoma has not examined how race and gender impact outcomes or looked at the influence of race and ethnicity across all groups. Dr. Hieken emphasizes the importance of understanding these differences, highlighting that this is the first large study to confirm that there are sex-based differences in melanoma outcomes within the non-Hispanic Black population. Specifically, the study found differences in outcomes between female and male non-Hispanic Black patients with later-stage melanoma.There may be some interesting biological factors at play here that could explain why some women do not respond well to certain treatments,” Dr. Hieken stated.
One hypothesis revolves around differences in immune system responses.
“Various signals from the immune system suggest that women might have a better reaction to certain immunotherapies compared to men,” Dr. Hieken added.
Recognizing the necessity for further investigation, researchers emphasize the importance of conducting more diverse studies on melanoma, including a greater representation of Black participants in clinical trials. This will help bridge the knowledge gap and potentially unveil more effective treatment options.
“We aim to expand and enhance our research efforts, recognizing the need for a more inclusive approach.
Dr. Hieken emphasizes the importance of understanding the disease that affects all patients.
She highlights the contribution of the Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery in this research.
Dr. Hieken explains, “With the Kern Center and other studies, we have identified the need. We have a comprehensive, interdisciplinary clinical research practice in melanoma and aim to address clinical needs and knowledge gaps.”
Alerting the fight against melanoma
Dr. Hieken emphasizes that this study serves as an alert in the battle against melanoma.
for all individuals who are struggling to identify and treat melanoma, regardless of the patient’s gender or skin color.
She stresses that healthcare professionals should thoroughly examine areas such as palms, soles, and under the fingernails, where melanoma may be more difficult to detect on darker skin.
“We can include the screening for skin lesions or lesions under the nails during the patient’s regular checkups,” Dr. Hieken says. “Our goal is to enhance the care for our patients.”
The Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery and Breast and Melanoma Surgical Oncology ,The research was supported by the Department of Surgery.
