State of the science on prevention and screening to reduce melanoma incidence and mortality: The time is now

Abstract

Although overall cancer incidence rates are decreasing, melanoma incidence rates continue to increase about 3% annually. Melanoma is a significant public health problem that exacts a substantial financial burden. Years of potential life lost from melanoma deaths contribute to the social, economic and human toll of this disease. However, most cases are potentially preventable. Research has clearly established that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases melanoma risk. Unprecedented anti-tumor activity and evolving survival benefit from novel targeted therapies and immunotherapies are now available for patients with unresectable and/or metastatic melanoma. Still, prevention (minimizing sun exposure that may result in tanned or sunburned skin and avoiding indoor tanning) and early detection (identifying lesions before they become invasive, or at an earlier stage) have significant potential to reduce melanoma incidence and melanoma-associated deaths. This paper reviews the state of the science on prevention and early detection of melanoma, and current areas of scientific uncertainty and ongoing debate. The US Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer and US Preventive Services Task Force reviews on skin cancer have propelled a national discussion on melanoma prevention and screening that makes this an extraordinary and exciting time for diverse disciplines in multiple sectors – health care, government, education, business, advocacy and community – to coordinate efforts and leverage existing knowledge to make major strides in reducing the public health burden of melanoma in the US.

Epidemiology of Melanoma

“…In addition to the considerable burden to public health, the annual costs of melanoma management are substantial (15). In the United States alone, the annual costs of melanoma treatment have risen by 288% in less than a decade.…”

“…Indirect costs associated with melanoma are estimated to be as high as over $3.5 billion annually (17). As incidence and mortality rises, costs for treatment and indirect care are projected to concurrently rise (15). However, as more preventative strategies are implemented to combat rising incidence, melanoma-related costs may improve with the potential of cutting economic burden by $2.1 billion a year (11).…”

Melanoma oral: Importancia de un diagnóstico temprano. Un caso clínico.

“…La prevención primaria de las lesiones melanóticas tiene que ver con la educación a la población para reducir el riesgo de desarrollarlas, sin embargo esto es mucho más simple de aplicar en el caso de los melanomas cutáneos, dados los factores de riesgo manejables, como por ejemplo la exposición a los rayos UV y el uso de bloqueadores solares (11) . Lo anterior, en el caso del melanoma oral no está bien identificado, por lo que es difícil apuntar a blancos específicos en la prevención primaria.…”

Next-Gen Therapeutics for Skin Cancer: Nutraceuticals

“…It is estimated that if rates of melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer, continue to increase, 112,000 new cases will be diagnosed in 2030 [49]. Melanoma is often treatable if diagnosed at an early stage; hence, there is a constant push to develop the latest treatment options.…”

“…Melanoma is often treatable if diagnosed at an early stage; hence, there is a constant push to develop the latest treatment options. The annual cost of treating skin cancers in the U.S. is estimated at $8.1 billion of which nearly $4.8 billion is for nonmelanoma skin cancers and $3.3 billion is for melanoma [49]. With the growing skin cancer rates plus mounting health care costs, there is an increased desire to maintain a healthy lifestyle.…”