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.

Factors influencing participation in cutaneous screening among individuals with a family history of melanoma.

Azzarello LM, Jacobsen PB

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612-9416, USA.

BACKGROUND: Targeting higher risk individuals, such as melanoma patients' first-degree relatives, may be more efficient than mass skin cancer screening. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to examine prevalence and predictors of total cutaneous examination in first-degree relatives. METHODS: Ninety-five first-degree relatives completed questionnaires assessing demographic and risk characteristics, perceived risk, perceived severity, self-efficacy, response efficacy, and total skin examination. Fourteen months later, first-degree relatives were asked if they had obtained a total skin examination during follow-up. RESULTS: At baseline, 47% reported at least one total cutaneous examination and 27% had a health care provider recommendation for total skin examination. At follow-up, 37% had obtained a total skin examination. Baseline and follow-up total cutaneous examination was associated with more risk factors, higher education, provider recommendation, and greater perceived risk and severity. In multivariate analyses, provider recommendation and college education predicted follow-up total skin examination. LIMITATIONS: Data were self reported. Knowledge, health-care access, and follow-up provider recommendation were not assessed. CONCLUSION: Physicians and other providers may be influential in promoting total cutaneous examination in first-degree relatives.

Published 23 February 2007 in J Am Acad Dermatol, 56(3): 398-406.
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