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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
08:49
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Ethnic differences among patients with cutaneous melanoma
Janice N Cormier1, Yan Xing, Meichun Ding
1The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA. jcormier@mdanderson.org
Archives of Internal Medicine
|September 27, 2006
Summary
Melanoma incidence is rising, particularly in white populations. This study reveals higher mortality and advanced stage at diagnosis for melanoma in minority groups, highlighting a critical public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Public Health
- Epidemiology of Cutaneous Malignancies
Background:
- Melanoma incidence is increasing in white populations, with limited data on minority groups.
- Investigating melanoma incidence, presentation, and survival across diverse racial and ethnic groups is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze melanoma incidence, clinical characteristics, and survival rates among different racial and ethnic populations.
- To identify disparities in melanoma diagnosis and outcomes based on race/ethnicity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data from 1992-2002.
- Conducted multivariate and Cox proportional hazards analyses to assess race/ethnicity's impact on clinicopathologic factors and survival.
Main Results:
- Melanoma incidence per 100,000 was highest in whites (18.4) compared to minorities (2.3-1.0).
- Minority populations showed higher rates of lower extremity and acral lentiginous melanomas.
- Minorities experienced significantly lower 5-year survival (72.2%-81.1%) versus whites (89.6%) and a 1.96- to 3.01-fold increased mortality risk.
- Minorities were more likely to be diagnosed with stage IV melanoma (ORs 2.4-4.2) compared to whites.
Conclusions:
- Melanoma poses a significant public health challenge across all ethnic groups.
- Disparities in melanoma survival are linked to differences in disease stage at presentation.
- Further understanding of melanoma in minority populations can facilitate early detection and improve outcomes.
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