Unaffected family members report improvements in daily routine sun protection 2 years following melanoma genetic testing.
OBJECTIVE
Reducing ultraviolet radiation exposure may decrease melanoma risk in the hereditary melanoma setting. It is unknown whether genetic counseling and test reporting of CDKN2A/p16 mutation status promote long-term compliance with photoprotection recommendations, especially in unaffected mutation carriers.


METHODS
This study evaluated changes 2 years following melanoma genetic testing in self-reported practice of sun protection (sunscreen, photoprotective clothing, and ultraviolet radiation avoidance) among 37 members of two CDKN2A/p16 kindreds (10 unaffected carriers, 11 affected carriers, and 16 unaffected noncarriers; response rate = 64.9% of eligible participants).


RESULTS
Multivariate profile analysis indicated that all three participant groups reported increased daily routine practice of sun protection 2 years following melanoma genetic testing (P < 0.02), with 96.9% reporting that at least one sun protection behavior was part of their daily routine, up from 78.1% at baseline (P < 0.015). Unaffected carriers (P < 0.024) and unaffected noncarriers (P < 0.027) reported significantly more frequent use of photoprotective clothing. Affected carriers maintained adherence to all sun protection behaviors. Reported sunburns in the past 6 months decreased significantly (P < 0.018).


CONCLUSIONS
Members of high-risk families reported increased daily routine sun protection and decreased sunburns 2 years following melanoma genetic testing, with no net decline in sun protection following negative test results. Thus, genetic testing and counseling may motivate sustained improvements in prevention behaviors.
Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
Lisa G
LG
Aspinwall
Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
Jennifer M
JM
Taber
Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
Wendy
W
Kohlmann
Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
Samantha L
SL
Leaf
Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
Sancy A
SA
Leachman
D000328:Adult; D019941:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 / Q000235:genetics; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D010375:Pedigree; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects; D013473:Sunscreening Agents
D019941:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16; D013473:Sunscreening Agents