Racial/Ethnic Trends in Melanoma Mortality in the United States, 1999-2023

Author

• Amber E. Amis, University of Mississippi Main CampusFollow
• Andrew Yockey Ph.D., University of MississippiFollow

Date of Award

Spring 4-28-2026

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Public Health

First Advisor

Andrew Yockey

Second Advisor

Ruaa Al-Juboori

Third Advisor

Kaustav Bhattacharya

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

Melanoma, remaining the fifth most common cancer in the United States, is considered one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer. While non-Hispanic White individuals are more likely to develop melanoma, racial/ethnic minorities are more likely to experience a worse prognosis of the disease and shorter survival times. Despite melanoma incidence rising, there is limited research examining recent trends in mortality. This study aimed to examine racial/ethnic trends in melanoma mortality using national mortality data obtained for the years 1999 to 2023 from the final multiple causes of death databases of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) system. Age- adjusted mortality rates by race for ages 15-84 were examined using generalized additive models (GAMs). Results showed a significant variation for melanoma mortality trends by race. Although melanoma mortality was notably higher for white individuals, minority populations are consistently diagnosed at later stages and experience worse treatment outcomes. A sudden drop in melanoma mortality rates between 2014 and 2016 suggested advancements in treatment due to the adoption of immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, it was noted that these advancements may not be available for all populations, and barriers to proper dermatologic care remain an issue among underserved communities. Improvements included establishing more mobile clinics, free clinics, and community-based initiatives to expand healthcare access, knowledge, and affordability, as well as educating physicians on high-risk sites for patients of color. Future research is encouraged to evaluate the effectiveness of screening programs currently in place and study interventions in skin-of-color populations. Ensuring that advancement in access to care will benefit all populations can significantly improve melanoma mortality and disparities in minority populations.

Recommended Citation

Amis, Amber E. and Yockey, Andrew Ph.D., "Racial/Ethnic Trends in Melanoma Mortality in the United States, 1999-2023" (2026). Honors Theses. 3546.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3546