Date of Presentation
5-2-2024 12:00 AM
College
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Poster Abstract
Melanoma, with a five-year survival rate of 94% in early-stage diagnosis, drops significantly when diagnosed at later stages, making identifying barriers to timely treatment crucial. This literature review examines factors influencing melanoma treatment wait times and their impact on patient outcomes. Elderly, male, and Medicare patients, along with those with higher Breslow thickness and severe melanoma stages, experienced longer wait times. Patients receiving intervention within 30 days had better survival rates. Lack of knowledge and misconceptions about melanoma contribute to delayed care, particularly in communities with lower incidence rates. Black patients faced longer waits from diagnosis to surgery, indicating disparities. Socioeconomic factors also play a role, with lower-income neighborhoods experiencing longer wait times. Targeted interventions are needed to reduce these disparities. Enhancing public health education and addressing patient-based factors can improve outcomes. Further research is required to explore the impact of melanoma across racial groups and investigate factors like insurance coverage and access to care. Community education initiatives could lead to earlier interventions. Understanding these factors is essential for improving access to timely melanoma treatment and enhancing patient outcomes.
Keywords
melanoma, skin cancer, socioeconomic level, healthcare disparities, Healthcare Inequities, Socioeconomic Factors, Health Services Accessibility, Neoplasms
Disciplines
Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Dermatology | Health and Medical Administration | Medicine and Health Sciences | Neoplasms | Oncology | Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms | Preventive Medicine | Public Health Education and Promotion | Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases
Document Type
Poster
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Dermatology Commons, Health and Medical Administration Commons, Neoplasms Commons, Oncology Commons, Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Commons, Preventive Medicine Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons, Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases Commons
Waiting for a Cure: Factors Influencing Melanoma Treatment Delays
Melanoma, with a five-year survival rate of 94% in early-stage diagnosis, drops significantly when diagnosed at later stages, making identifying barriers to timely treatment crucial. This literature review examines factors influencing melanoma treatment wait times and their impact on patient outcomes. Elderly, male, and Medicare patients, along with those with higher Breslow thickness and severe melanoma stages, experienced longer wait times. Patients receiving intervention within 30 days had better survival rates. Lack of knowledge and misconceptions about melanoma contribute to delayed care, particularly in communities with lower incidence rates. Black patients faced longer waits from diagnosis to surgery, indicating disparities. Socioeconomic factors also play a role, with lower-income neighborhoods experiencing longer wait times. Targeted interventions are needed to reduce these disparities. Enhancing public health education and addressing patient-based factors can improve outcomes. Further research is required to explore the impact of melanoma across racial groups and investigate factors like insurance coverage and access to care. Community education initiatives could lead to earlier interventions. Understanding these factors is essential for improving access to timely melanoma treatment and enhancing patient outcomes.