Impact of Malignant Melanoma on Employment and Work Ability
Source: Dermatology Times, October 2024
The study underscores the importance of addressing work-related concerns for patients with melanoma, advocating for effective communication about rehabilitation options.
A recent study found that malignant melanoma has seen a significant rise in incidence, evolving from a relatively rare tumor to the fifth most common solid tumor in Germany by 2015.1 Notably, it exhibits the highest metastasis rate among skin tumors and is responsible for over 90% of skin cancer-related deaths.2 With this in mind, researchers examined the implications of melanoma on employment and work ability, emphasizing the need for rehabilitation strategies tailored to this patient population.
From 1970 to 2016, the age-standardized incidence of melanoma in Germany rose dramatically from 3 to 21 cases per 100,000 people annually. The median age at diagnosis is 63 for women and 69 for men, with notable peaks in young adults (under 30) and individuals over 50. Alarmingly, melanoma is the most prevalent cancer among women aged 20-30, surpassing breast cancer.3 Researchers stated this demographic shift necessitates a thorough understanding of melanoma’s impact on the workforce.