Research Highlights Disparities in Melanoma Knowledge and Care

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Melanoma is the 17th most common cancer in the world, with over 300,000 patients diagnosed worldwide in 2022 alone.1 Because of its prevalence, there is a need for understanding the journey of patients with melanoma, including any gender differences, to recognize aspects of the patient journey that could be improved. A recent study out of Switzerland aimed to identifythese possible improvements to awareness, diagnosis, and treatment from the perspective of gender differences.2

“Gender differences were found, including preferences regarding information sources and the most important treatment features when choosing a treatment, highlighting the importance of tailored patient communication to ensure patients are well-informed for decision-making,” researchers wrote.

Melanoma Incidence and Treatment Approaches in Switzerland

The study stated that Switzerland ranks seventh globally for melanoma incidence, with UV radiation identified as the leading cause, responsible for approximately 92% of cases in 2012.3 Early detection of melanoma, often marked by the appearance of atypical moles or changes in existing ones, is crucial for improving patient outcomes. For advanced stage III–IV melanomas, systemic therapies such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies are commonly employed. Notably, researchers stated that patients with BRAF V600 mutations, present in 40% to 50% of advanced cases, are candidates for BRAF/MEK inhibitors. They noted that effective patient decision-making and support are vital for enhancing treatment outcomes and overall quality of life.

Gender Differences in Melanoma Perception and Care

Sex and gender disparities in melanoma risk and outcomes are well-documented, according to the study. It stated that men are about 1.5 times more likely to develop melanoma compared to women, yet they are less proactive about skin examinations and seeking medical advice. The study, conducted from March to November 2021 across 3 Swiss melanoma centers, explored these differences by surveying 47 patients with stage III–IV melanoma. Researchersreported finding significant variations in knowledge and perception between genders. For instance, they stated that fewer women were aware of the risks associated with tanning beds and self-assessment techniques compared to men. Additionally, while both men and women valued information from physicians, women were more likely to find the information less useful and preferred face-to-face interactions. The study stated that understanding these gender-specific preferences is crucial for providing personalized care.

Patient Preferences and Communication Gaps

The study highlighted several areas for improvement in patient care and communication. Firstly, researchers found only a small percentage of patients recalled being informed about BRAF mutational testing, which is critical for determining eligibility for targeted therapies. Researchers stated this underscores a need for better communication regarding testing processes. Additionally, a significant number of patients reported not receiving ongoing psychological support, with men more likely than women to feel they did not need it. Given that most patients received immunotherapy, the study stated that understanding patient concerns about adverse events and improving psychological support could enhance overall care.

Conclusion

The Swiss study offered valuable insights into patient experiences with melanoma diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the need for increased public awareness, better communication about testing, and tailored patient support to address gender-specific needs and improve overall treatment outcomes.

“Approximately 1 out of 5 of patients were not aware of the disease ‘melanoma’ before being diagnosed and less than half of patients knew how to minimize the risk and self-assess for melanoma, which indicates a need to increase public awareness of melanoma,” the study stated.

Researchers wrote the study’s limitations, such as its small sample size and potential recall bias, suggest the need for larger, more detailed investigations to further refine patient care strategies.

References

1. World Cancer Research Fund International. Skin cancer statistics; 2022. Accessed September 10, 2024. https://www.wcrf.org/cancer-trends/skin-cancer-statistics/.
2. Mangana J, Lamos C, Özdemir BC, et al. Gender differences in melanoma awareness, diagnosis and treatment: Patient-reported data from a multicentre survey in Switzerland. Skin Health Dis. 2024;e442. doi: 10.1002/ski2.442
3. International Agency for Research on Cancer. Population attributable fraction (PAF) of melanoma cases worldwide in 2012, among men and women of all ages (30+ years), attributable to ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, by country; 2012.