Exploring the Psychological Experiences of Patients With Melanoma: A Narrative Review

The increased prevalence of psychological stressors in individuals diagnosed with melanoma, compared to the general population, is well-documented. Understanding the psychological experiences of patients with advanced unresectable stage 3 or 4 melanoma is essential for providing holistic treatment and supporting the unique physical, emotional, and mental health needs of this population. Literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar to identify studies that focused on the psychological experiences of patients with unresectable stage 3 or 4 melanoma, resulting in a narrative review. Records (n=482) were screened to include peer-reviewed studies published in the last 25 years, primary research involving melanoma patients, or systematic reviews and meta-analyses involving melanoma and mental health. The studies reviewed (n=13) consistently observed psychological changes in melanoma patients, with many reporting higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to the general population. Despite these findings, research on advanced melanoma and its psychological impact remains diverse but lacks specificity regarding the experiences of patients with unresectable stage 3 or 4 melanoma. While valuable insights have been gained into the assessment tools, prevalence, and potential treatments for psychological stressors, no study has explored these psychological experiences in-depth from the patient's perspective. Further investigation into the psychological experiences of this patient group is critical to improving psychological support and fostering more comprehensive care for oncology patients.