\Communication about Melanoma and Risk Reduction after Melanoma Diagnosis.

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\Communication about Melanoma and Risk Reduction after Melanoma Diagnosis.

Psychooncology. 2016 Nov 15;:

Authors: Rodríguez VM, Berwick M, Hay JL

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Melanoma patients are advised to perform regular risk reduction practices including sun protection as well as skin self-examinations (SSE) and physician-led examinations. Melanoma-specific communication regarding family risk and screening may promote such behaviors. To this end, associations between patients' melanoma-specific communication and risk reduction were examined.
METHODS: Melanoma patients (N = 169) drawn from a population-based cancer registry reported their current risk reduction practices, perceived risk of future melanoma, and communication with physicians and relatives about melanoma risk and screening.
RESULTS: Patients were, on average, 56 years-old and 6.7 years' post-diagnosis; 51% were male, 93% reported "fair/very fair" skin color, 75% completed at least some college, and 22% reported a family history of melanoma. Patients reported varying levels of regular (always/nearly always) sun protection: sunscreen use (79%), shade-seeking (60%), hat use (54%), and long-sleeve shirts use (30%). Only 28% performed thorough SSE regularly, whereas 92% reported undergoing physician-led skin examinations within the past year. Participants who were female, younger, and had a higher perceived risk of future melanoma were more likely to report past communication. In adjusted analyses, communication remained uniquely associated with increased sunscreen use and SSE.
CONCLUSIONS: Encouraging melanoma patients to have a more active role in discussions concerning melanoma risk and screening with relatives and physicians alike may be a useful strategy to promote two key risk-reduction practices post melanoma diagnosis and treatment. Future research is needed to identify additional strategies to improve comprehensive risk reduction in long-term melanoma patients.

PMID: 27862570 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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