Landmark Series on Disparities in Surgical Oncology: Melanoma

Although the lifetime risk of melanoma is disproportionately higher in whites, blacks have a poorer overall survival with an absolute survival difference of 25%. Significant progress has been made in melanoma treatment in the past decade; however, these successes may not be available or accessible to all segments of the population.

In this review, we highlight important studies in melanoma as well as informative retrospective studies from databases and nonmelanoma cancers where appropriate.

There are no level I evidence-based studies on disparities in melanoma, and most likely there will never be, but the studies presented herein and clinical experience demonstrate that disparities in clinical outcomes from melanoma exists.

By becoming aware of the disparities, we can help mitigate them by engagement, education, and corrective and empowering actions through awareness campaigns, appropriate clinical trial design, encouraging participation in clinical trials, increasing the diversity of providers, and advocacy.