One of our areas of emphasis is an effort to highlight the differential epidemiology of disease and inequalities in access to care experienced by marginalized and underserved communities.  These projects reflect the diverse interests, experiences, and viewpoints of our lab members.

Prior projects have included evaluating barriers to dermatology care for American Indians living in rural settings, examining the disproportionate impact of iPLEDGE on restricting access to isotretinoin for non-white patients, and assessing the representation of racial and ethnic minorities and women in dermatology randomized controlled trials.

Our recent work has focused on the impact of sexual orientation and gender identity on skin cancer risk.  In addition, we’ve examined variations of Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming services for transgender patients in the United States. 

For recent highlights of our work, see below:

February 12, 2020

Association Between Sexual Orientation and Lifetime Prevalence of Skin Cancer in the United States

Sean Singer, BS;  Elizabeth Tkachenko, BS;  Rebecca I. Hartman, MD, MPH;  Arash Mostaghimi, MD, MPA, MPH

In this paper, we found that Gay and Bisexual men to have elevated risk of skin cancer relative to heterosexual men. Lesbians with lower risk of skin cancer than heterosexual females. Listen to Dr. Mostaghimi discuss this topic with Dr. Howa Yeung in an interview with JAMA Derm below:

• NY Post: Gay and bisexual men ‘more likely’ to suffer skin cancer, study finds
• Advocate: Study: Gay, Bi Men Have Higher Skin Cancer Rates Than Straight Men

February 12, 2020

Gender Identity and Lifetime Prevalence of Skin Cancer in the United States

Sean Singer, BS;  Elizabeth Tkachenko, BS;  Rebecca I. Hartman, MD, MPH;  Arash Mostaghimi, MD, MPA, MPH

In this paper, we show a slight increase rate of skin cancer among non gender binary patients. Check out the related editorial from Dr. Howa Yeung in JAMA Dermatology: Sexual and Gender Minority Populations and Skin Cancer—New Data and Renewed Priorities.

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Selected Publications:

Singer S, Yeung H, Mostaghimi A. State Medicaid Coverage of Dermatologic Procedures and Other Gender-Affirming Services for Transgender Patients in the United States. LGBT health. 2020.

Singer S, Tkachenko E, Yeung H, Mostaghimi A. Skin Cancer and Skin Cancer Risk Behaviors Among Sexual and Gender Minority Populations: A Systematic Review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2020.

Singer S, Tkachenko E, Hartman RI, Mostaghimi A. Association Between Sexual Orientation and Lifetime Prevalence of Skin Cancer in the United States. JAMA dermatology. 2020.

Singer S, Tkachenko E, Hartman RI, Mostaghimi A. Gender Identity and Lifetime Prevalence of Skin Cancer in the United States. JAMA dermatology. 2020.

Morenz AM, Wescott S, Mostaghimi A, Sequist TD, Tobey M. Evaluation of Barriers to Telehealth Programs and Dermatological Care for American Indian Individuals in Rural Communities. JAMA dermatology. 2019.

Charrow A, Xia FD, Lu J, Waul M, Joyce C, Mostaghimi A. Differences in isotretinoin start, interruption, and early termination across race and sex in the iPLEDGE era. PloS one. 2019;14(3):e0210445.