Thorough skin examination for the early detection of melanoma.
BACKGROUND
Melanoma is a major public health problem for which early detection may reduce mortality. Since melanoma is generally asymptomatic, this requires skin examination. We sought to evaluate the extent to which the general public has their skin examined by themselves, their partners, or health care providers and the frequency of these examinations.


METHODS
Random-digit-dial survey of adult Rhode Islanders.


RESULTS
Only 9% performed a thorough skin examination (TSE) at least once every few months, although over half of the sample reported conducting skin self-examination "deliberately and systematically." Participants were more likely to perform TSE if they were women and if their health care provider had asked them to examine their skin. Most participants reported that their health care provider never or rarely looked at the areas of their skin in which melanoma is most likely to arise.


CONCLUSIONS
The reported frequency of skin self-examination depends critically on the manner of inquiry. TSE by self or a partner is uncommon, and health care providers do not routinely examine the areas of the skin on which melanomas commonly arise.
Weinstock
M A
MA
Dermatoepidemiology Unit, VA Medical Center, Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University, Providence 02908-4799, USA. maw@brown.edu
Martin
R A
RA
Risica
P M
PM
Berwick
M
M
Lasater
T
T
Rakowski
W
W
Goldstein
M G
MG
Dubé
C E
CE
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012648:Self Care; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013997:Time Factors