Targeted Melanoma Screening: Risk Self-Assessment and Skin Self-Examination Education Delivered During Mammography of Women. Issue 3 (28th June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Robinson, June K; Perez, Megan; Abou-el-Seoud, Dalya; Kim, Kathryn; Brown, Zoe; Liko-Hazizi, Elona; Friedewald, Sarah M; Kwasny, Mary; Spring, Bonnie
• Is Part Of: JNCI cancer spectrum. Volume 3:Issue 3(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-06-28
• DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkz047
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2515-5091

Abstract

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 χ 2 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 (χ 2 = 1.64, P = .17) or 3 months (χ 2 = 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.