Research Highlights Disparities in Melanoma Knowledge and Care
Source: Dermatology Times, September 2024
Melanoma is the 17th most common cancer in the world, with over 300,000 patients diagnosed worldwide in 2022 alone. 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.
“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.