The Style Project: Feasibility of Collaborating With Salons for Prevention and Early Detection of Skin Cancer

Abstract

Early detection of skin cancer is known to decrease risk of mortality and improve overall outcome.1 Unfortunately, for many people the warning signs of skin cancer are unknown, and the cancer can progress to more aggressive stages before treatment is sought. Training individuals who are easily accessible, approachable, and are part of peoples’ normal routine, such as salon hairstylists, to recognize suspect skin areas and make dermatologist referrals may increase the number of cases of skin cancer that are caught at earlier stages. Salons provide a comfortable environment where health topics are already discussed between stylists and their clients during the appointments.2 Research using salons for a variety of health education and prevention campaigns has shown that salons are largely successful at disseminating health information and improving their clients’ knowledge on health topics. Some salons and barbershops have even been used as referral and screening centers.3,4 Furthermore, breast cancer prevention and early detection research programs have had success in using salons to contact a subset of people who were not reachable or affected by conventional methods.3 These studies indicate that salons may be useful in educating in prevention, making referrals, and reaching a broad population. Importantly, a recent article has suggested that hairstylists are promising resources for melanoma detection, and additional research should be conducted to assess their attitudes and practices related to skin lesion detection and referrals.5 The purpose of the present study is to explore the feasibility of dermatologists partnering with salon owners and employees to launch a community-based skin cancer prevention and early detection campaign. In this investigation, the stylists’ current practices of detecting skin lesions, making referrals, and overall general interest in using these methods for skin cancer education and prevention are assessed.