Reducing mortality in individuals at high risk for advanced melanoma through education and screening

Abstract

Incidence and mortality rates of melanoma throughout most of the developed world have increased in the past 25 years. We propose that reduction of deaths from melanoma can be best enhanced by strong collaborations between experts in dermatology, primary care, oncology, cancer education and health systems research, epidemiologists, and behavioral scientists, among others. Public and professional educational campaigns should be guided by an understanding of 3 underlying but overlapping roots: epidemiology and preventable mortality (an understanding of who is most likely to be given the diagnosis of thick or late-stage melanoma), biology (an investigation of tumor types that are relatively common but potentially most lethal), and sociology (an analysis of the changes needed in social structures to improve access to those most in need of early detection programs). We review these major concepts, concentrating on the key risk factors for advanced melanoma.

Survival of patients with skin melanoma in Europe increases further: Results of the EUROCARE-5 study

“…Moreover, the 1-year RS was lower in Eastern Europe than in other regions, which may indicate a larger proportion of SM with late stage at diagnosis [20]. The close relationship between Breslow's thickness and prognosis supports the endeavour for early diagnosis [21][22]. However, a favourable survival does not necessarily indicate low mortality.…”

Efficacy of a general practitioner training campaign for early detection of melanoma in France

“…Melanoma incidence and mortality rates have increased sharply in the past three decades in most developed countries . Despite recent advances in the treatment of metastatic diseases, early diagnosis and decreasing incidence of thick tumours are the best ways to reduce mortality . Although melanoma, of the five major detectable cancers (breast, colorectal, prostate, cervical cancer and melanoma), is the only one that can be first detected by a simple visual, noninvasive examination, to date systematic screening in the general population has not been recommended in most countries, including France (http://www.has-sante.fr).…”

Co-development of a companion diagnostic for targeted cancer therapy

“…Melanoma is a challenging disease and its incidence is increasing worldwide despite widespread efforts to improve primary and secondary prevention [22]. Patients diagnosed with metastatic disease have a poor prognosis [23].…”