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Skin Cancer and Skin Cancer Risk Factors in Sexual and Gender Minorities
Dustin H Marks1, Sarah Tuttleton Arron2, Matthew Mansh3
1Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford Street, Suite 200, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Dermatologic Clinics
|March 3, 2020
Summary
Sexual and gender minorities face higher skin cancer risks due to unique factors like increased indoor tanning and poorer sun protection. This review examines these risks and associated factors in these populations.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) exhibit distinct health profiles.
- Skin cancer is a significant health concern with varying risk factors across populations.
- Previous research indicates potential disparities in skin cancer prevalence and prevention among SGM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing evidence on skin cancer prevalence and risk factors among sexual and gender minorities.
- To identify unique risk factors contributing to skin cancer development in SGM populations.
- To synthesize current knowledge on sun protection behaviors and other health-related factors in SGM.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies focusing on skin cancer in sexual and gender minorities.
- Analysis of data on prevalence, risk behaviors, and health conditions within SGM populations.
- Synthesis of findings related to keratinocyte carcinomas, melanoma, indoor tanning, sun protection, and infectious agents.
Main Results:
- Sexual minority men report higher rates of skin cancer, including keratinocyte carcinomas and melanoma.
- Higher prevalence of indoor tanning and suboptimal sun protection behaviors are noted in SGM.
- Increased rates of alcohol and tobacco use, HIV, and HPV infections may elevate skin cancer risk in SGM.
Conclusions:
- Sexual and gender minorities possess unique risk factors that heighten their susceptibility to skin cancer.
- Targeted interventions addressing sun protection and other risk behaviors are crucial for SGM.
- Further research is needed to fully understand and mitigate skin cancer disparities in SGM populations.
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