Examining risk profiles of melanoma using the 2021 U.S National Health Interview Survey

Summary: Abstract Body: Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and accounts for over 100,000 new cases annually. While many studies have examined demographic and clinical factors associated with melanoma, none have leveraged the National Health Interview Survey for a national scale association study to support the early detection of melanoma. Responses from 29,482 adults and 8,261 children from the 2021 National Health Interview Survey Questionnaire were analyzed to assess Spearman correlations with melanoma. Correlations greater than 99% were excluded to prevent data leakage. Among sociodemographic variables, the top positive correlations included family income-to-poverty ratio (ρ = 0.05, p < 0.001), education level (ρ = 0.04, p < 0.01), highest family education level (ρ = 0.038, p < 0.05), medicaid coverage (ρ = 0.04, p < 0.01), and high-deductible health plans (ρ = 0.05, p = 0.001). Negative correlations with melanoma were observed for Hispanic origin (ρ = -0.04, p < 0.005), race (ρ = -0.066, p < 0.001), marital status (ρ = -0.033, p < 0.05), private insurance (ρ = -0.032, p < 0.05), and language use in social settings (ρ = -0.032, p < 0.05). Among clinical factors, positive correlations were identified for BMI (ρ = 0.04, p < 0.005), weight (ρ = 0.058, p < 0.001), non-melanoma skin cancer (ρ = 0.08, p < 0.001), and breast cancer (ρ = 0.08, p < 0.001). Negative correlations included stomach cancer (ρ = -0.03, p < 0.05), recent mammogram (ρ = -0.03, p < 0.05), recent COVID-19 vaccination (ρ = -0.04, p = 0.01), and taking anxiety medication (ρ = -0.04, p < 0.01). These results showcase the importance of incorporating both clinical and sociodemographic characteristics into melanoma risk assessments. Identifying these characteristics can help improve melanoma screening protocols and reduce the risk of the condition. Lara S. Shqair¹, Dany Alkurdi¹, Omar Alani¹, Aditi Belle², Curtis Tam¹, Dev Patel¹, Zachary Schwager² 1. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States. 2. Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington, MA, United States. Pigmentation, Melanoma, and Melanoma Immune Surveillance