What Is Known About Psychosocial Wellbeing in Patients With Melanoma In Situ?
Source: Dermatology Advisor, November 2024
A significant gap in research on psychosocial wellbeing among patients newly diagnosed with melanoma in situ (MIS) exists, according to the results of a systematic review published in Melanoma Research.
A total of 324,635 patients worldwide were diagnosed with MIS in 2020 and the rate of MIS is projected to increase by 50% by 2040. It is unclear whether patients with MIS have similar psychosocial reactions to their diagnosis as patients diagnosed with other invasive melanomas. Therefore, investigators aimed to examine the prevalence of decreased psychosocial wellbeing, associated factors, and existing interventions among this patient population.
The investigators from The University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia searched 5 publication databases for relevant studies through May 2023. A total of 22 articles were included in this review. Among patients with various types of melanoma, the studies reported on fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), anxiety, stress, distress, depression, coping strategies, melanoma-related worry, quality of life (QOL), and unmet needs.