Invasive skin cancer a growing problem in Hispanics

“For the first time, scientists have identified a significant increase in the incidence rate of melanoma–an invasive form of an already deadly skin cancer–among California Hispanics. A new study published in the March 1, 2006 issue of CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, finds in contrast to non-Hispanic Caucasians, increases in melanoma in Hispanics have been confined to thicker lesions, which have a poorer prognosis.

While melanoma accounts for a minority of skin cancers, it is responsible for the great majority of skin cancer deaths. As a general rule, the deeper the cancer has penetrated into the layers of the skin, the higher the risk of death. The major risk factors for melanoma are fair skin and a history of significant sun exposure. California and Central America are regions of intense sun exposure. While fair skinned, non-Hispanic whites have long been considered the racial group at highest risk, little is known about the incidence of melanoma among Hispanics, the fastest-growing racial/ethnic group in the State, which has among the highest rates of melanoma in the world….”

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