Gender disparities in melanoma: age of diagnosis, disease staging, and survival outcomes

Keywords

melanoma - gender - survival

Melanoma is a severe skin cancer known for its rapid progression and potential for metastasis. Originating from pigment-producing melanocytes, it can lead to high morbidity and mortality if not detected early. This study retrospectively analyzed the electronic medical records of 271 melanoma patients diagnosed at Hospital do Cancer de Muriaé da Fundação Cristiano Varella, in Minas Gerais, between 2010 and 2020. Descriptive statistics summarized patient characteristics, while the chi-square test evaluated variable associations and Kaplan-Meier method estimated survival. Statistical significance was defined as p-values < 0.05. The analysis, approved by the local IRB (CAAE #55961622.6.0000.5105), included 136 men (50.2%) and 135 women, with a median age of 63 years (range 20 to 95), and mean follow-up of 36 months. Women were diagnosed at a younger age, with 32.6% under 50 years compared to 16.2% of men (p = 0.002). Tobacco and alcohol use were more prevalent among men (36.8% and 38.9%, respectively) than women (12.5% and 10.3%, respectively) (p<0.001). No significant difference in family history of cancer was noted between genders (p = 0.253). Melanoma lesions were most commonly located on the limbs (39.1%), followed by the trunk (29.5%) and face (19.2%), with no significant gender differences (p = 0.411). Most patients underwent surgery only (61.3%), while 15.5% also received chemotherapy or immunotherapy, with no gender differences in treatment type (p = 0.238). Regarding disease stage, we noted that localized disease (stages 0 to II) was more frequent in women (61.7%) than men (50.8%), while advanced disease (stages III and IV) was more common in men (49.1% vs. 38.3%, respectively) (p = 0.044). Patients with localized disease had better overall survival (OS) compared to those with advanced disease (p<0.001). Additionally, women had a longer OS than men, with a 5-year survival rate of 75% for women compared to 50% for men (p<0.001). Our study highlights significant gender differences in melanoma outcomes, revealing that women are diagnosed at a younger age and have a better overall survival compared to men. Men exhibit higher rates of advanced disease and greater prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use, factors that contribute to their poorer prognosis. The findings emphasize the critical need for targeted early detection strategies and tailored screening programs to improve outcomes, particularly for men who are at higher risk for advanced melanoma.

Corresponding author: Alice Muglia Thomaz da Silva Amancio (e-mail: [e-mail]).

 

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No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
06 May 2025