Skin Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Skin Cancer, including details on identification, causes, prevention, treatment.

Skin self-examination practices in a convenience sample of U.S. university students.

Arnold MR, DeJong W

Department of Society, Human Development and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA. marnold@hsph.harvard.edu

BACKGROUND: Melanoma skin cancer affects many young adults, yet few practice skin self-examination (SSE). We collected detailed information about young adult SSE practices, which can be used to guide the development of SSE interventions that target this age group. METHODS: We surveyed 190 US university students to assess their SSE practices, including thoroughness of self-exams and reasons for not performing SSE. RESULTS: Just 33.2% of respondents had ever performed SSE, and only 5.8% had checked their entire body. The three most commonly cited reasons for failing to practice SSE were not knowing what to look for (55.9%), never thinking of it (54.3%), and not knowing it should be done (33.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to promote early melanoma detection must raise awareness about the importance of beginning SSE practice in young adulthood and conducting thorough self-exams. They should target all young adults, including those who already practice SSE.

Published 9 November 2004 in Prev Med, 40(3): 268-73.
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