Sex differences and psycho-oncological support needs in patients with high melanoma risk and melanoma survivors

Despite rising survival rates, emotional distress remains a major issue for melanoma patients. However, survivors and individuals at increased risk of melanoma are rarely included in distress assessments, leaving their specific needs poorly understood.

A total of 382 patients were included (225 at-risk patients - individuals with risk factors for developing melanoma - and 157 melanoma survivors). We investigated psychological distress using the Distress Thermometer, melanoma-related concerns using the Melanoma Worry Scale, and the need for psycho-oncological support in a prospective, monocentric study, with a particular focus on sex differences.

Patients at increased risk of melanoma reported significantly higher distress levels than melanoma survivors (p < 0.001). Women expressed higher melanoma worries (p = 0.049) and were more likely to ask for psycho-oncological support than men (p < 0.001). Furthermore, age, multiple melanomas and living alone were predictors for higher distress (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.02). Another predictor for melanoma worry was time since diagnosis and education level (p = 0.01 and p = 0.049, respectively).

Our findings highlight a substantial and previously underrecognized psycho-oncological burden among melanoma survivors and at-risk patients, underscoring the need for tailored support based on sex and other risk factors.