Survivors of Early-Stage Melanoma Have High Rates of Fear of Recurrence, Study Finds
Source: AJMC, April 2024
The study aimed to improve the understanding of lived experiences and the fear of recurrence among survivors of localized, stage 0 to IIA cutaneous melanoma.
A qualitative study found most survivors of localized cutaneous melanoma report high levels of fear of cancer recurrence, negative feelings around follow-ups and melanoma surveillance, negative emotions around lifestyle changes, and thoughts about life and death.1 The findings, which were published in JAMA Dermatology, emphasize the need to address patients’ psychological well-being and implement supportive interventions when needed.
In the US, melanoma is the fifth most common cancer among men and women, and while it is more prevalent in older people, it is also one of the most common cancers diagnosed in younger adults.2 Half of all melanomas diagnosed in the US are stage 0, or melanoma in situ (MIS), or early invasive stage I melanoma, which have a relative survival rate greater than 100%.1 This means the survival rate from all causes among those with MIS or stage I melanoma is higher than among age-, sex-, and race-matched controls without melanoma. The prognosis is good for these patients, but they typically undergo frequent follow-up screening and examinations to check for recurrence or subsequent primary melanomas.