Disparities in Skin Cancer Outcomes in the Latine/Hispanic Population.

Abstract

Despite having an overall lower lifetime risk for skin cancer, Latine/Hispanic individuals experience increased morbidity and mortality in skin cancer outcomes compared to non-Hispanic White individuals. The reasons for these disparate outcomes are multifactorial, but challenges in early skin cancer detection, limited awareness of risks, and inequitable access to care and/or treatment among this patient population likely are contributory. In this article, we review cutaneous malignancies in the Latine/Hispanic population and explore factors that impact overall prognosis, including unique clinical features, inadequate health coverage, medical mistrust, language barriers, differing cultural perspectives, and inadequate research. We aim to provide a pivotal foundation for development of effective strategies to advance skin cancer education and awareness and promote equity in skin cancer treatment among this population.