Melanoma Disparities in Hispanic Populations: Socioeconomic Challenges and Cultural Barriers

Abstract

Hispanic and Latino melanoma patients face significant disparities in patient outcomes and survival rates due to challenges in melanoma care, including later-stage diagnoses, disproportionate financial burdens, and cultural differences. Healthcare insurance status is an important contributing factor to these disparities, with uninsured Hispanic patients being more likely to delay seeking medical attention and face higher out-of-pocket costs. Socioeconomic factors, including lower income levels, limited education, and occupations that may increase UV exposure exacerbate these disparities. Additional factors such as inadequate patient education, language barriers, and inadequate health education campaigns also limit melanoma awareness, prevention, and healthcare access in Hispanic populations. Consequently, there is an urgent need for culturally tailored interventions, such as community-based, targeted health campaigns and enhanced, culturally sensitive provider training to better address these disparities and improve melanoma outcomes in Hispanic and Latino populations.