UV exposure
Inherited Melanoma Syndromes
Dr. Emily Chu presented information about familial melanoma, inherited melanoma syndromes, and associated genes. Familial melanoma is defined as ≥2 first-degree relatives with melanoma or ≥3 relatives on the same side of the family with melanoma. First, Chu described genes associated with increased risk of developing melanoma, including cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A), cyclin-dependent kinase…
Skin Cancer Disparities in Patients with Skin of Color
The incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma is significantly lower in darker skin types. In Black people, BCC is 2000-fold less common, and SCC is 500–1000-fold less common compared to non-Hispanic white people. Melanoma-related mortality rates in the US-based Black population has been declining during the past 20 years. Non-white race is associated with later melanoma detection and lower survival rates. Multiple risk factors have been proposed for skin cancers in skin of color including immunosuppression and previous scaring. More research is needed to understand the primary drivers of skin cancer in skin of color.