Marilyn R Arnold1, William DeJong. 1. Department of Society, Human Development and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA. marnold@hsph.harvard.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Melanoma skin cancer affects many young adults, yet few practice skin self-examination (SSE). We collected detailed information about young adult SSE practices, which can be used to guide the development of SSE interventions that target this age group. METHODS: We surveyed 190 US university students to assess their SSE practices, including thoroughness of self-exams and reasons for not performing SSE. RESULTS: Just 33.2% of respondents had ever performed SSE, and only 5.8% had checked their entire body. The three most commonly cited reasons for failing to practice SSE were not knowing what to look for (55.9%), never thinking of it (54.3%), and not knowing it should be done (33.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to promote early melanoma detection must raise awareness about the importance of beginning SSE practice in young adulthood and conducting thorough self-exams. They should target all young adults, including those who already practice SSE.
BACKGROUND:Melanoma skin cancer affects many young adults, yet few practice skin self-examination (SSE). We collected detailed information about young adult SSE practices, which can be used to guide the development of SSE interventions that target this age group. METHODS: We surveyed 190 US university students to assess their SSE practices, including thoroughness of self-exams and reasons for not performing SSE. RESULTS: Just 33.2% of respondents had ever performed SSE, and only 5.8% had checked their entire body. The three most commonly cited reasons for failing to practice SSE were not knowing what to look for (55.9%), never thinking of it (54.3%), and not knowing it should be done (33.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to promote early melanoma detection must raise awareness about the importance of beginning SSE practice in young adulthood and conducting thorough self-exams. They should target all young adults, including those who already practice SSE.
Authors: Jakob D Jensen; Manusheela Pokharel; Andy J King; Kevin K John; Yelena P Wu; Douglas Grossman Journal: Psychol Health Med Date: 2019-12-17 Impact factor: 2.423
Authors: Martin A Weinstock; Patricia M Risica; Rosemarie A Martin; William Rakowski; Catherine Dubé; Marianne Berwick; Michael G Goldstein; Suddhasatta Acharyya; Thomas Lasater Journal: Am J Prev Med Date: 2007-06 Impact factor: 5.043
Authors: Elliot J Coups; Jerod L Stapleton; Shawna V Hudson; Amanda Medina-Forrester; Stephen A Rosenberg; Marsha Gordon; Ana Natale-Pereira; James S Goydos Journal: J Am Acad Dermatol Date: 2012-11-19 Impact factor: 11.527