Current:Home > reviewsBlack men have lowest melanoma survival rate compared to other races, study finds -Mastery Money Tools
Black men have lowest melanoma survival rate compared to other races, study finds
View
Date:2025-04-11 13:32:19
Men with melanoma, particularly Black men, are more likely to die than women with melanoma, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Comparing data from the National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2018, the analysis of more than 200,000 people found the 5-year survival rate in men with melanoma was highest for White men, at around 75%, compared to Black men, who ranked the lowest, with a survival rate of 52%. American Indian/Alaskan Native (69%), Asian (68%) and Hispanic (66%) men fell in between.
The study also showed that men of color were more likely to have melanoma diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it more difficult to treat. Even when adjusted for factors like income level and insurance coverage, Black race alone increased mortality risk compared to the White population, the study found.
Melanoma causes more than 9,000 deaths per year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC data also show rates of male mortality for melanoma, of all races, are more than double that of females of all races.
"We know that men may be less likely to seek medical care than women, so they can be diagnosed with melanoma at later stages," dermatologist and co-author of the study Ashley Wysong, founding chair of the Department of Dermatology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, said in a news release. "However, even after accounting for later stages at diagnosis, men still have worse overall survival rates than women with melanoma, so we suspect that there are some unmeasured social, genetic, tumor-specific and potentially biological factors at play, such as hormones and the way the immune system responds to melanoma tumors."
While it has been known that skin cancer is increasing among all Americans, with specific rises in men and people of color, this is the largest study to date to look specifically at the role of race among men with melanoma.
"We hope our research can lay the foundation for future studies to determine why there's such a gap in survival rates, and to make headway to reduce these survival rate gaps," Wysong said.
Steps to protect yourself from skin cancer
The American Academy of Dermatology says to reduce your risk, wear sunscreen and sun-protective clothing and watch for changes to your skin.
"If you have a spot on your skin that has looked the same your whole life and suddenly the edges might look different or the color changes, if the size changes, that's an important factor," Dr. Maral Kibarian Skelsey, dermatologist and director of the Dermatologic Surgery Center of Washington, previously told CBS News.
It's also recommended that everyone above age 18 get an annual skin examination.
"The thing that's unique about skin cancer — it's so common, but it's also so preventable," Dr. Elizabeth Hale, associate professor of dermatology at NYU Langone and senior vice president of the Skin Cancer Foundation previously told CBS News.
About 90% of skin cancers are associated with sun exposure, which makes protection important, Hale added.
"We recommend a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and it's important to think about sunscreen every single day. It's not just enough when going to the beach or pool because we know that some damage is cumulative," she says. "When you're outside, you want to reapply every two hours — even more if you're sweating or swimming. Getting people to wear it every day is the real goal."
veryGood! (9)
Related
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Afghan evacuee child with terminal illness dies while in federal U.S. custody
- Roll Call: Here's What Bama Rush's Sorority Pledges Are Up to Now
- Inside Harry Styles' Special Bond With Stevie Nicks
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
- What to know about the 5 passengers who were on the Titanic sub
- Lily-Rose Depp and 070 Shake's Romance Reaches New Heights During Airport PDA Session
- Staying safe in smoky air is particularly important for some people. Here's how
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- Who co-signed George Santos' bond? Filing reveals family members backed indicted congressman
Ranking
- New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
- Heart transplant recipient dies after being denied meds in jail; ACLU wants an inquiry
- Gun deaths hit their highest level ever in 2021, with 1 person dead every 11 minutes
- Facing Grid Constraints, China Puts a Chill on New Wind Energy Projects
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- Purple is the new red: How alert maps show when we are royally ... hued
- See Kelly Clarkson’s Daughter River Rose Steal the Show in New “Favorite Kind of High” Video
- Jack Hanna's family opens up about his Alzheimer's diagnosis, saying he doesn't know most of his family
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
Trump Takes Aim at Obama-Era Rules on Methane Leaks and Gas Flaring
Why our allergies are getting worse —and what to do about it
Yes, the big news is Trump. Test your knowledge of everything else in NPR's news quiz
A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
The 33 Most Popular Amazon Items E! Readers Bought This Month
Why Jana Kramer's Relationship With Coach Allan Russell Is Different From Her Past Ones
Senate 2020: In Montana, Big Sky Country, Climate Change is Playing a Role in a Crucial Toss-Up Race