Targeted melanoma screening: Risk self-assessment and skin self-examination education delivered during mammography of women

June K. Robinson*, Megan Perez, Dalya Abou-El-Seoud, Kathryn Kim, Zoe Brown, Elona Liko-Hazizi, Sarah M. Friedewald, Mary Kwasny, Bonnie Spring

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Melanoma, which is the sixth most common cancer in women, is visible on the surface of the skin; therefore, self-screening (skin self-examination [SSE]) may be beneficial. Methods: A convenience sample of women undergoing mammography was sequentially assigned by week into this two-arm targeted melanoma screening intervention. Both groups saw an informational poster and received a brochure promoting risk self-identification and SSE education. One group received an additional 1-week SSE reminder. Participants completed baseline and 1- and 3-month follow-up surveys assessing SSE performance, identifying a concerning mole, scheduling a dermatology appointment, and anxiety due to the program. Performance of SSE between groups was compared using χ2 analysis. The electronic medical record was reviewed for diagnosis of concerning moles. Results: At 1 month, 384 of 420 (91.4% retention) women completed the survey. Of those, 311 (80.9%) performed SSE. Of those who performed SSE, 54 (14%) found a concerning mole at either 1 or 3 months. At 3 months, 346 (82.4% retention) women completed the survey. The number of women who performed SSE did not differ between groups at 1 month (χ2 = 1.64, P = .17) or 3 months (χ2 = 1.58, P = .12). Seven melanomas were found among 34 women who identified a concerning mole; examination of 4.8 women yielded one melanoma. Anxiety was low with a median score of 9.5 (range = 0-42.9). Conclusions: Introducing melanoma risks and SSE education during mammography was feasible and did not demonstrate harms; thus, there is an opportunity to reach a large, at-risk population with limited burden for the participant and clinics.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numberpkz047
JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum
Volume3
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2019

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Targeted melanoma screening: Risk self-assessment and skin self-examination education delivered during mammography of women'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this