OBJECTIVE To examine the frequency and correlates of skin examination behaviors in an international sample of individuals at varying risk of developing melanoma. DESIGN A cross-sectional, web-based... Show moreOBJECTIVE To examine the frequency and correlates of skin examination behaviors in an international sample of individuals at varying risk of developing melanoma. DESIGN A cross-sectional, web-based survey. SETTING Data were collected from the general population over a 20-month period on behalf of the Melanoma Genetics Consortium (GenoMEL). PARTICIPANTS A total of 8178 adults from Northern (32%), Central (33%), and Southern (14%) Europe, Australia (13%), and the United States (8%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Self-reported frequency of skin self-examination (SSE) and clinical skin examination (CSE). RESULTS After adjustment for age and sex, frequency of skin examination was higher in both Australia (odds ratio [OR]SSE=1.80 [99% CI, 1.49-2.18]; ORCSE=2.68 [99% CI, 2.23-3.23]) and the United States (ORSSE=2.28 [99% CI, 1.76-2.94]; ORCSE=3.39 [99% CI, 2.60-4.18]) than in the 3 European regions combined. Within Europe, participants from Southern Europe reported higher rates of SSE than those in Northern Europe (ORSSE=1.61 [99% CI, 1.31-1.97]), and frequency of CSE was higher in both Central (ORCSE=1.47 [99% CI, 1.22-1.78]) and Southern Europe (ORCSE=3.46 [99% CI, 2.78, 4.31]) than in Northern Europe. Skin examination behavior also varied according to melanoma history: participants with no history of melanoma reported the lowest levels of skin examination, while participants with a previous melanoma diagnosis reported the highest levels. After adjustment for region, and taking into account the role of age, sex, skin type, and mole count, engagement in SSE and CSE was associated with a range of psychosocial factors, including perceived risk of developing melanoma; perceived benefits of, and barriers to, skin examination; perceived confidence in one's ability to engage in screening; and social norms. In addition, among those with no history of melanoma, higher cancer-related worry was associated with greater frequency of SSE. CONCLUSIONS Given the strong association between psychosocial factors and skin examination behaviors, particularly among people with no history of melanoma, we recommend that greater attempts be made to integrate psycho-education into the fabric of public health initiatives and clinical care, with clinicians, researchers, and advocacy groups playing a key role in guiding individuals to appropriate tools and resources. Show less
Davies, J.R.; Randerson-Moor, J.; Kukalizch, K.; Harland, M.; Kumar, R.; Madhusudan, S.; ... ; Newton-Bishop, J. 2012
Background: The incidence of melanoma continues to increase in many countries, and primary prevention of melanoma includes avoidance of sunburn as well as adequate sun protection behavior. The aim... Show moreBackground: The incidence of melanoma continues to increase in many countries, and primary prevention of melanoma includes avoidance of sunburn as well as adequate sun protection behavior. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of self-reported sun protection behaviors and sunburn in users of the Internet, and to identify the demographic, clinical, and attitudinal/motivational correlates of sun protection behaviors. Methods: Self-report data were gathered on behalf of the GenoMEL consortium using an online survey available in 10 different languages, and 8,178 individuals successfully completed at least 80% of survey items, with 73% of respondents from Europe, 12% from Australia, 7% from the United States, 2% from Israel, and 6% from other countries. Results: Half of all respondents and 27% of those with a previous melanoma reported at least one severe sunburn during the previous 12 months. The strongest factors associated with sun protection behavior were perceived barriers to protection (beta = -0.44/beta = -0.37), and respondents who reported a positive attitude toward suntans were less likely to protect (beta = -0.16/beta = -0.14). Reported use of protective clothing and shade, as well as avoidance of midday sun exposure, were more strongly related to reduced risk of sunburn than sunscreen use. Conclusions: Despite widespread dissemination of public health messages about the importance of sun protection, a substantial proportion of this international sample, including respondents with a previous melanoma, reported inadequate sun protection behaviors resulting in severe sunburn. Impact: Future strategies to decrease sunburn should target the practical, social, and psychological barriers associated with nonuptake of sun protection. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(9); 2199-210. (C) 2010 AACR. Show less
Cutaneous melanoma continues to increase in incidence in many countries, and intentional tanning is a risk factor for melanoma. The aim of this study was to understand how melanoma risk factors,... Show moreCutaneous melanoma continues to increase in incidence in many countries, and intentional tanning is a risk factor for melanoma. The aim of this study was to understand how melanoma risk factors, perceived threat and preferences for a suntan relate to intentional tanning. Self-report data were collected on behalf of GenoMEL (www.genomel.org) from the general population using an online survey. A total of 8178 individuals completed the survey, with 72.8% of respondents being from Europe, 12.1% from Australia, 7.1% from the US, 2.5% from Israel and 5.5% from other countries. Seven percent of respondents had previously been diagnosed with melanoma and 8% had at least one first-degree relative with a previous melanoma. Overall, 70% reported some degree of intentional tanning during the past year, and 38% of respondents previously diagnosed with melanoma had intentionally tanned. The total number of risk factors was positively correlated with perceived risk of melanoma [correlation coefficient (rho) = 0.27], and negatively correlated with intentional tanning (rho = -0.16). Preference for a dark suntan was the strongest predictor of intentional tanning [regression coefficient (beta)= 0.35, P<0.001], even in those with a previous melanoma (beta=0.33, P<0.01). A substantial proportion of participants reported having phenotypic and behavioural risk factors for melanoma. The preference regarding suntans seemed more important in the participants' decision to intentionally tan than their perceived risk of developing melanoma, and this finding was consistent among respondents from different countries. The drive to sunbathe to tan is a key factor to be moderated if melanoma incidence is to be reduced. European Journal of Cancer Prevention 19:216- 226 (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Show less
