Melanoma Reporting Practices of United States Dermatologists

Abstract

Most dermatologists remain unaware of melanoma reporting requirements. Resultant underestimates of the true incidence of melanoma could have resource allocation implications. Interventions aimed at improving knowledge of the mandate should focus on younger clinicians and those with lower melanoma case volumes.

Melanoma Incidence Rates Among Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native Individuals, 1999-2019

“…Therefore, findings may not be generalizable to other American Indian/Alaska Native populations or Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native populations. Melanoma cases may not be consistently reported to central cancer registries, particularly if diagnosed in outpatient settings by dermatologists unaware of reporting requirements or because of internal pathology report coding practices . We also did not delay-adjust incidence rates, so the rates for 2018 and 2019 may be slightly lower compared with previous years.…”

“…45 Skin cancer is increasingly being recognized as a problem in American Indian/Alaska Native communities, 46 and materials developed from an Indigenous perspective, including a culturally appropriate skin cancer curriculum and resource guide, are available. 47 More formative research and Indigenous perspectives may be needed to identify risk factors and intervention strategies to raise awareness.…”