Predictors of skin cancer screening practice and attitudes in primary care.
BACKGROUND
Physician visits provide invaluable opportunities to screen patients for skin cancer, yielding earlier detection and improved survival.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to assess frequency of skin cancer screening by full body skin examinations (FBSE) by primary care physicians, patient attitudes toward FBSE, and risk factors for cutaneous malignancy.


METHODS
Questionnaires were distributed to patients at primary care and dermatology clinics.


RESULTS
A total of 426 participants were surveyed. Overall, 20% of patients reported having undergone regular FBSE by their primary care physician. Sex, race, personal skin cancer history, and Fitzpatrick skin type were predictive of whether a FBSE was performed by a patient's primary care physician. Men were more likely to report having undergone a FBSE (22% vs 19%; P < .01); women were more likely to report feeling embarrassed by a FBSE (15% vs 4%; P < .01).


CONCLUSIONS
This study was conducted at a single site academic center.


CONCLUSIONS
Although low rates of skin cancer screening are reported by patients, those at higher risk are being screened more frequently. Sex disparity exists, and as both male and female patients have a strong preference to undergo FBSE, unmet opportunities for skin cancer prevention should be maximized.
Rodriguez
Georgette L
GL
Department of Dermatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33101, USA.
Ma
Fangchao
F
Federman
Daniel G
DG
Rouhani
Panta
P
Chimento
Stacy
S
Multach
Mark
M
Kirsner
Robert S
RS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012744:Sex Ratio; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires