Sex differences and psycho-oncological support needs in patients with high melanoma risk and melanoma survivors.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESDespite rising survival rates, emotional distress remains a major issue for melanoma patients. However, survivors and individuals at increased risk of melanoma are rarely included in distress assessments, leaving their specific needs poorly understood.

PATIENTS AND METHODSA total of 382 patients were included (225 at-risk patients - individuals with risk factors for developing melanoma - and 157 melanoma survivors). We investigated psychological distress using the Distress Thermometer, melanoma-related concerns using the Melanoma Worry Scale, and the need for psycho-oncological support in a prospective, monocentric study, with a particular focus on sex differences.

RESULTSPatients at increased risk of melanoma reported significantly higher distress levels than melanoma survivors (p < 0.001). Women expressed higher melanoma worries (p = 0.049) and were more likely to ask for psycho-oncological support than men (p < 0.001). Furthermore, age, multiple melanomas and living alone were predictors for higher distress (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.02). Another predictor for melanoma worry was time since diagnosis and education level (p = 0.01 and p = 0.049, respectively).

CONCLUSIONSOur findings highlight a substantial and previously underrecognized psycho-oncological burden among melanoma survivors and at-risk patients, underscoring the need for tailored support based on sex and other risk factors.

Abstract from PubMed