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  • Presentation

Skin Cancer Among Individuals with Skin of Color

Description

The presentation addresses skin cancer disparities affecting individuals with skin of color, primarily focusing on melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. It emphasizes the growing diversity within skin of color populations and the need for awareness as this group is expected to become a majority in the U.S. by 2016. Despite improving melanoma-specific survival rates for some groups, certain populations, such as Hispanic individuals and non-Hispanic American Indians, continue to experience poorer outcomes. The discussion highlights the unique characteristics of melanoma in skin of color, including its occurrence more frequently in acral and mucosal areas. The presentation also outlines disparities in non-melanoma skin cancers, noting that while incidence may be lower in these populations, morbidity and care costs are often higher. Various factors contributing to these disparities include social determinants of health, lack of awareness about skin cancer risks in skin of color, and barriers to accessing dermatology services. The presenter advocates for increased education among healthcare providers and the community, cultural competence in healthcare, and improved access to treatment options like immunotherapy, which is currently inequitably distributed. The call to action includes enhancing public awareness, culturally relevant education, and ongoing research to address these disparities effectively.

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Conclusions

  • Individuals with skin of color face significant disparities in the incidence and outcomes of skin cancer.
  • Melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer, with worse survival rates observed in non-white populations compared to non-Hispanic whites.
  • Despite improvements in melanoma-specific survival over time, groups such as Hispanic and American Indian populations have not seen significant enhancements, leading to persistent disparities.
  • Acral lentiginous melanoma is more common among individuals with darker skin tones, presenting unique challenges in early detection and diagnosis.
  • Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) have varying presentation and outcomes in persons with skin color, often leading to higher morbidity and increased healthcare costs despite lower incidence rates.
  • Access to healthcare and dermatological services is often limited for individuals with skin color, impacting timely diagnosis and treatment, particularly in emergency settings.
  • Cultural perceptions and a lack of awareness about skin cancer among diverse ethnic groups hinder early detection and health-seeking behavior.
  • Educational initiatives tailored to the unique presentations of skin cancer in individuals with skin color are essential for improving outcomes.
  • Social determinants such as socioeconomic status, education, insurance type, and healthcare access significantly influence morbidity and mortality rates for skin cancer in populations with skin color.
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