The purpose of this study was to identify patient risk factors and evaluate current criteria published by major medical associations for skin cancer detection. The design of the study was cross-sectional (mail out/mail back survey) using 298 melanoma patients from a private dermatology practice. The overall response rate was 69%. Accepted standards for detection include fair skin, freckles, a large number of moles, family history, early diagnosis, and size of lesion (>6mm). However, half of the patients did not have fair skin or freckles. In addition, almost half of the subjects reported having 1-15 moles, and only 20% reported a family history. Moreover, 75% of subjects never had a full-body examination prior to diagnosis, and 31.5% of initial lesions were smaller than 6 mm. Results also indicated that the majority of patients (63%) reported consistently tanning before and after age 18. Only 6% of subjects reported daily sunscreen use, and only 2% of subjects reported using an SPF of forty-five or higher. Results were also compared for gender, skin type, and age at time of diagnosis differences by Chi-square analyses. Overall, the results confirmed existing beliefs that excessive sun exposure places one at high risk for melanoma. However, the data in this study did not always correlate with the publicized detection guidelines, suggesting that further research may be required to evaluate these standards.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Recongnize potential differences in risk factors for developing melanoma from examing patient data that did not follow common patterns of development including skin type, size of lesion, number of moles on the body, among others. 2. Identify common patterns of sun exposure and sunscreen use in a sample of melanoma patients. 3. Evaluate the need for future research to examine potnetial risk factors for melanoma.
Keywords: Cancer, Adult Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Project funded by the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities