Differences in Melanoma Survival in Hispanic Subpopulations

Abstract

Melanoma can be deadly if not detected and treated early. The association of race with survival in cutaneous malignancies has been researched previously and it has been noted that Hispanic patients have worse melanoma-specific survival compared to non-Hispanic white patients [1]. While research has shown that Hispanic race can be a factor in melanoma survival rates, the specific impact of Hispanic subpopulations on melanoma outcomes is not well understood. In recent years, the Hispanic population in the United States has grown rapidly and is expected to continue to do so in the coming decades. These populations represent diverse individuals from various countries of origins, ethnic backgrounds, and differing cultures. In fact, the Hispanic nomenclature includes diverse worldwide subpopulations and clinical investigations often focus on the ethnic group, resulting in an incomplete characterization of skin malignancies and survival among distinct Latino groups. It is important to understand the unique melanoma survival patterns among different Hispanic subpopulations as these populations are heterogenous.