Social Determinants of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Cutaneous Melanoma Outcomes

Background: This article sought to elucidate how aspects of poverty and culture may contribute to race- and ethnicity-based disparities in cutaneous melanoma outcomes. Methods: We identified published studies addressing the social determinants of melanoma. Selected review articles included US-based studies comprised of patients representing adults, children, and adolescents. Results: African Americans and Hispanics diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma are more likely to present with more advanced stages of disease at diagnosis and have higher rates of mortality than their nonminority counterparts. These disparities may be a consequence of economic, social, and cultural barriers such as low income, public forms of health insurance, lower levels of education, lower levels of melanoma awareness and knowledge, and lower rates of participation in melanoma screening. No studies in the literature examined the potential impact of social injustice, English proficiency, immigrant status, and health literacy. Conclusions: Substantial gaps exist in our knowledge of the pathways linking social determinants and race- and ethnicity-based disparities in melanoma. More studies are warranted to inform the development of effective interventions aimed at narrowing inequities and improving cutaneous melanoma outcomes among minority populations.