This review highlights melanoma trends observed among African-, Asian-, Latino- and
Native-American populations. Melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer, accounting
for about 75% of all skin cancer deaths. Generally, incidence rates increase with age, peak
after age 40, and are greater in men than women. However, these trends do not reflect what
is typically seen in minority ethnic groups, where incidence rates are lower. In addition, for
some groups, relative disease-specific survival also is lower compared with European-
Americans. Melanomas in minority populations also tend to appear in atypical locations
and are of unclear etiology. To improve our understanding of the causes of melanoma
arising in ethnic minority populations future research efforts are needed. In addition, the
general lack of awareness of this disease entity among minority populations and the fact
that certain ethnic groups tend to present with advanced disease further highlight the need
for educational programs for both patients and health care professionals.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 28:96-102 © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
This review highlights melanoma trends observed among African-, Asian-, Latino- and
Native-American populations. Melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer, accounting
for about 75% of all skin cancer deaths. Generally, incidence rates increase with age, peak
after age 40, and are greater in men than women. However, these trends do not reflect what
is typically seen in minority ethnic groups, where incidence rates are lower. In addition, for
some groups, relative disease-specific survival also is lower compared with European-
Americans. Melanomas in minority populations also tend to appear in atypical locations
and are of unclear etiology. To improve our understanding of the causes of melanoma
arising in ethnic minority populations future research efforts are needed. In addition, the
general lack of awareness of this disease entity among minority populations and the fact
that certain ethnic groups tend to present with advanced disease further highlight the need
for educational programs for both patients and health care professionals.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 28:96-102 © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.