What do Web users know about skin self-examination and melanoma symptoms?

Grazyna Kaminska-Winciorek,Jerzy Wydmanski,Maksymilian Gajda,Andrzej Tukiendorf

doi:10.7314/apjcp.2015.16.7.3051

Grazyna Kaminska-Winciorek, Jerzy Wydmanski + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.7314/apjcp.2015.16.7.3051

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Abstract

Skin self-examination (SSE) may facilitate early diagnosis of melanoma at a potentially curable stage. Little data are available concerning the SSE frequency and knowledge about the symptoms of melanoma in non-patient populations. The aim of our study was to assess the performance of skin self-examination, recognition of potential melanoma symptoms as well as behavior related to sun exposure among web users in Poland. A cross-sectional study was conducted among readers of a scientific portal. Invited respondents were asked to complete an online questionnaire. Finally, statistical analysis was conducted on 4,919 surveys towards potential clinical signs of melanoma and SSE performance. Approximately 60% of respondents had ever performed SSE in their life. Only 18.4% declared performance on a regular, monthly, basis. Factors promoting this activity were established to be bigger place of residence, higher education and sensitive skin phototype, higher level of knowledge concerning melanoma, safe tanning rules and, especially, past surgical excision of naevi. Declared longer use of tanning beds was linked to understanding better the importance of clinical features of melanoma. Awareness of hazardous behavior during sunbathing is associated with the attempts to change them. Regular SSE is not a common practice, whilst the knowledge about the clinical features of melanoma is varied. Therefore, constant pressure should be put on promotion of regular skin self-examination and teaching its proper techniques, including familiarity with the ABCD (asymmetry; border; color; diameter) rule and its extension of "EFG" (elevated, firm, progressive growth) criteria.

Highlights

Along the reported and predicted global increase of melanoma incidence, the efforts to improve the early detection of this dangerous disease are still needed (Ferlay et al, 2013)
Interpretation of the results was based classically on the that a history of sunburns increases the risk of melanoma, odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI)
The data regarding the skin self-examination, The regular skin assessment was more often performed recognition of potential clinical symptoms of melanoma by individuals who lived in more populous areas, were development, behaviors related to sun exposure as well better educated and had more sensitive skin phototype

Summary

Introduction

Along the reported and predicted global increase of melanoma incidence, the efforts to improve the early detection of this dangerous disease are still needed (Ferlay et al, 2013). The aim of our study was to assess the attitude towards the skin self-examination, recognition of potential melanoma symptoms and behaviors related to sun exposure. Skin self-examination (SSE) may facilitate early diagnosis of melanoma at a potentially curable stage. Little data are available concerning the SSE frequency and knowledge about the symptoms of melanoma in non-patient populations. The aim of our study was to assess the performance of skin self-examination, recognition of potential melanoma symptoms as well as behavior related to sun exposure among web users in Poland. 18.4 % declared performance on a regular, monthly, basis Factors promoting this activity were established to be bigger place of residence, higher education and sensitive skin phototype, higher level of knowledge concerning melanoma, safe tanning rules and, especially, past surgical excision of naevi. Constant pressure should be put on promotion of regular skin self-examination and teaching its proper techniques, including familiarity with the ABCD (asymmetry; border; color; diameter) rule and its extension of “EFG” (elevated, firm, progressive growth) criteria

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