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DOCTORS OFTEN KEY INFLUENCE IN SKIN SELF-EXAMINATIONS
New York, NY (April 29, 1998) -- People are more motivated to examine their skin for skin cancer if they have had discussions with doctors and if they think they are at high risk for developing melanomas and other skin cancers according to a study published in the May, 1998, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
"The early detection and treatment of melanoma is critical because survival in persons with early or thin melanoma (equal to or less than 0.75 mm) is nearly 100%," said June K. Robinson, MD, the lead author of the study and the Secretary/Treasurer of the American Academy of Dermatology. "It is estimated that skin self-examination (SSE) may reduce mortality from melanoma by 63%."
The key factor in determining whether or not a person practiced regular SSE was if they had had a conversation with a physician or nurse about preventing melanoma or skin cancer. During the study, it was found that one in four adults recalled having a conversation about skin cancer with a health care worker, with approximately one-half of them taking place within the past year. Eighty-one percent of those surveyed who talked to a health care worker were doing SSE compared to 35% who were practicing SSE but had not talked about sunning with a doctor or nurse.
"These results present a natural opportunity for dermatologists and other medical practitioners to work together to provide patients with the information they need to perform regular SSE," noted Dr. Robinson. "While a dermatologist is the best source of information on skin cancer prevention, we recognize that the primary care physician and his/her staff are the most common point of contact with the medical community for the average patient. We look forward to working with all types of medical practitioners, nurses, and caregivers to continue educating patients about the importance of SSE."
Another important factor in SSE participation was that patients believed that they were at higher risk of developing melanoma. Those with the highest risk for developing melanoma often have one or more of the following characteristics:
-- Fair complexions that burn or blister easily
-- Blond or red hair
-- Blue, green or gray eyes
-- Excessive sun exposure during childhood and teen years, blistering and sunburns before age 20
-- Family history of melanoma
-- More than 100 moles, 50 if you are under age 20
A personal or family history of skin cancer was an additional high risk factor that motivated people to perform regular SSE.
SSE was reportedly performed 1.5 times more often by women than men, with white persons performing SSE 1.7 times more often than minorities. Some education beyond high school also increased the practice of regular SSE. Forty-six percent of the surveyed population reportedly practiced SSE.
The study also found that awareness of melanoma as a type of skin cancer has increased from 34% in 1995 to 42% in 1996. The study authors suggested that, in the future, greater awareness of melanoma may be associated with an increase in SSE.
"We are encouraged that more people have gained awareness of melanoma as a form of skin cancer," said Dr. Robinson. "However, we are disturbed that other countries have seen a decline in the melanoma mortality rates following public education campaigns and that the United States has yet to experience similar results. We believe the next step is to encourage those with risk factors to practice regular skin self-examinations and to also examine their partners."
The survey was conducted in 1996 by Leo J. Shapiro and Associates, Inc. (Chicago, IL) in collaboration with the American Academy of Dermatology. The American Academy of Dermatology is the world's largest organization of dermatologists with over 11,500 members.
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