Earlier Melanoma Dx Seen in Regions With More Dermatologists
A study found that regions in the US with a higher density of dermatologists had lower rates of late-stage melanoma diagnoses from 2017 to 2021. The research analyzed data from 557 National Cancer Institute Health Service Areas and indicated that increased access to dermatologic care may lead to earlier detection of melanoma. The findings suggest that expanding the dermatology workforce in underserved areas could help reduce disparities in melanoma diagnosis stages.
- ▪Regions with more dermatologists had lower proportions of late-stage melanoma diagnoses.
- ▪The median dermatologist density was 1.97 per 100,000 population.
- ▪Higher educational attainment and insurance coverage were linked to lower odds of late-stage melanoma diagnosis.
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TOPLINE:Regions in the US with more dermatologists had lower proportions of late-stage melanoma diagnoses from 2017 to 2021 in a national ecological study.METHODOLOGY:A cross-sectional ecological study of 557 National Cancer Institute Health Service Areas (HSAs) analyzed data from the US Department of Health and Human Services State Cancer Profiles from 2017 to 2021.The median HSA demographics comprised 49.7% men, with 18.0% aged > 65 years; 79.8% were White, 6.3% Hispanic, and 4.9% Black individuals.Dermatologist density was categorized into five strata ranging from 0 to > 4 dermatologists per 100,000 population.The primary outcome was late-stage melanoma diagnosis, defined as regional or distant disease at the HSA level.TAKEAWAY:Overall, the median HSA dermatologist density was 1.97 per…
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