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http://crossmark.crossref.org/dialog/?doi=10.1007/s13187-016-0998-1&domain=pdf
Web End = J Canc Educ (2017) 32:335343 DOI 10.1007/s13187-016-0998-1
http://crossmark.crossref.org/dialog/?doi=10.1007/s13187-016-0998-1&domain=pdf
Web End = Skin Examination Practices Among Melanoma Survivors and Their Children
Beth A. Glenn1 & Katherine L. Chen2 & L. Cindy Chang1 & Tiffany Lin3 & Roshan Bastani1
Published online: 9 February 2016# American Association for Cancer Education 2016
Abstract Many professional organizations recommend skin self-examination (SSE) as a tool for early detection of malignancy among melanoma survivors, a growing population that is at increased risk for new or recurrent melanoma. This study examined the frequency and correlates of SSE use among melanoma survivors. Additionally, we assessed skin exam use among children of survivors, who are at elevated lifetime risk for the disease. The California Cancer Registry was used to identify melanoma survivors, who were contacted, screened for eligibility, and invited to participate in a survey. The survey, administered by mail, web, or telephone, assessed a broad range of topics related to melanoma prevention in high-risk families. The present study focuses on skin examination practices of survivors and their children and potential correlates of these practices. Among a sample of 316 melanoma survivors, fewer than one in five participants performed monthly skin self-exams, a lower rate than that observed in previous studies. Although greater family history of melanoma, use of skin protection strategies, and the perceived severity of melanom were associated with more frequent use of skin self-exams,
these relationships disappeared in adjusted analyses. Participants reported unexpectedly frequent use of skin examinations for their children despite the lack of professional guidelines for this practice. Interventions are needed to improve skin self-examination practices among melanoma survivors and to counsel parents about optimal melanoma prevention strategies for their children.
Keywords Cancer . Oncology . Skin examination . High risk . Melanoma survivor . Screening
Background
The population of melanoma survivors in USA has grown rapidly over the past several decades due to increases in incidence and improved 5-year survival rates [1]. Following successful treatment of the disease, melanoma survivors remain at elevated risk for recurrence and development of new melanomas [2]. Relative to many other cancers, younger and middle-aged adults bear a disproportionate disease burden, with more than half of melanoma cases diagnosed before the age of 65. Among individuals between 20 and...