Date of Award
Fall 11-26-2025
Degree Type
Open Access Capstone
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: This systematic review and integrated policy analysis examines the disproportionately high melanoma mortality rate in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) populations with a focus on policy analysis, change, and equity in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The specific aim is to identify the systemic factors contributing to the late-stage diagnosis of Acral Lentiginous Melanoma (ALM) and to propose feasible, evidence-based policy and practice solutions.
Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, utilizing databases including PubMed and CINAHL. The search strategy focused on keywords such as "melanoma mortality," "Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI)," "skin of color in dermatology," and "Advanced Practice Provider training." Articles published between 2018 and 2024 were screened and synthesized thematically.
Findings: The review confirms that AAPI patients face a 27% higher melanoma mortality rate compared to non-Hispanic White patients due to diagnostic delays (Osman et al., 2024). These delays are attributed to three primary gaps: a lack of specialty-trained providers, a failure to integrate skin-of-color content into foundational medical curricula, and inadequate public awareness coupled with poor institutional data tracking.
Recommendations: Three policy recommendations are proposed: 1) Mandating support for standardized post-graduate APP specialty programs; 2) Requiring the adaptation of core medical and APP curricula; and 3) Mandating a public awareness campaign paired with enhanced late-stage diagnosis reporting requirements.
Conclusion: Closing the AAPI melanoma mortality gap requires a comprehensive, structural intervention targeting the provider workforce, foundational education, and public health accountability.
Recommended Citation
Li, Norman, "Melanoma Mortality Disparity in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Communities in Massachusetts: A Systematic Review and Integrated Policy Analysis" (2025). Capstones. 8.
https://scholarworks.umb.edu/capstones/8
Comments
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