Skin cancer screening behaviours among individuals with a strong family history of malignant melanoma

BACKGROUND: This study examined the prevalence and correlates of skin cancer screening behaviours among individuals at high risk of developing melanoma due to strong family history. METHODS: A total of 120 individuals with a known family-specific CDKN2A mutation (72% response rate) completed a self-report questionnaire assessing annual frequency of skin self-examination (SSE), clinical skin examination (CSE) and a variety of potential demographic, clinical and psychosocial correlates. RESULTS: In the past 12 months, 50% of participants reported engaging in SSE at least four times, and 43% of participants had undergone at least one CSE. Engagement in SSE was associated with doctor recommendation (beta=1.77, P=0.001), confidence in one's ability to perform SSE (beta=1.44, P<0.0001), positive beliefs about melanoma treatment (beta=0.77, P=0.002) and intention to perform SSE in the future (beta=1.69, P<0.0001). These variables accounted for 59% of the variance in SSE behaviour. Further, information-seeking style moderated the relationship between anxiety and SSE (beta=1.02, P=0.004). Annual uptake of CSE was associated with doctor recommendation (beta=2.21, P<0.0001) and intention to undergo CSE in the future (beta=1.19, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: In comparison with clinical guidelines, it appears that individuals at high risk of developing melanoma engage in suboptimal levels of skin surveillance. Improved doctor-patient communication, as well as psycho-education and behavioural support, may be viable means of improving early skin cancer detection behaviours in this high-risk population. British Journal of Cancer (2010) 103, 1502-1509. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6605942 www.bjcancer.com Published online 26 October 2010 (C) 2010 Cancer Research UK