title: Enhancing skin self-examination with imaging: evaluation of a mole-mapping program.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To enhance early detection of melanoma with thorough skin self-examination, we have enrolled patients in a mole-mapping program that uses digital imaging of the skin.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The goal of our study was to evaluate the impact of participation in the mole-mapping program on performance of thorough skin self-examination.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was carried out by telephone survey of 64 program participants, using self-report to assess impact.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants were generally satisfied and found the program useful and effective; 97% would recommend it. Almost half (45%) of those who were not performing thorough skin self-examination before participation reported performing it after receiving their images. After participation, a partner such as a spouse or friend was more commonly assisting in these examinations. We also noted a correlation (of borderline statistical significance) between sun protection and performance of self-examination, and differences among different definitions of thorough skin self-examination.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Interventions centered around imaging have the potential to substantially enhance and encourage the performance of thorough skin self-examination for the early detection of melanoma.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA. maw@brown.edu
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Weinstock
authors.forename: F Q
authors.initials: FQ
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008548:Melanosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010781:Photography; D016353:Self-Examination / Q000379:methods; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*