Awareness of skin cancer by kidney transplant patients.
BACKGROUND
Skin cancer is the most common malignancy occurring after kidney transplantation.


OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to identify the skin problems of kidney transplant recipients, the extent of their awareness of skin cancer, and interest in skin cancer screenings.


METHODS
One hundred twenty-two patients were administered an oral questionnaire during regular follow-up at a renal transplant clinic.


RESULTS
The average time from transplantation was 3.1 years. Thirty-nine percent of patients reported skin problems, including warts, fungal infection, and skin cancer. Forty-one percent of patients were unable to recall specific skin cancer education, and 52% expressed an interest in skin cancer screening. Twenty-seven percent of patients had seen a dermatologist since their transplant, but only 14% were followed up regularly by a dermatologist.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe the need for continuing skin cancer education and early detection and treatment of skin lesions establishes an important role for the dermatologist on the transplant recipient's health care team.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000209:etiology; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000209:etiology; D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014860:Warts / Q000209:etiology