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Manne S, Heckman CJ, Frederick S, Schaefer AA, Studts CR, Khavjou O, Honeycutt A, Berger A, Liu H. A Digital Intervention to Improve Skin Self-Examination Among Survivors of Melanoma: Protocol for a Type-1 Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Randomized Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e52689. [PMID: 38345836 PMCID: PMC10897801 DOI: 10.2196/52689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although melanoma survival rates have improved in recent years, survivors remain at risk of recurrence, second primary cancers, and keratinocyte carcinomas. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends skin examinations by a physician every 3 to 12 months. Regular thorough skin self-examinations (SSEs) are recommended for survivors of melanoma to promote the detection of earlier-stage, thinner melanomas, which are associated with improved survival and lower treatment costs. Despite their importance, less than a quarter of survivors of melanoma engage in SSEs. OBJECTIVE Previously, our team developed and evaluated a web-based, fully automated intervention called mySmartSkin (MSS) that successfully improved SSE among survivors of melanoma. Enhancements were proposed to improve engagement with and outcomes of MSS. The purpose of this paper is to describe the rationale and methodology for a type-1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation randomized trial evaluating the enhanced MSS versus control and exploring implementation outcomes and contextual factors. METHODS This study will recruit from state cancer registries and social media 300 individuals diagnosed with cutaneous malignant melanoma between 3 months and 5 years after surgery who are currently cancer free. Participants will be randomly assigned to either enhanced MSS or a noninteractive educational web page. Surveys will be collected from both arms at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months to assess measures of intervention engagement, barriers, self-efficacy, habit, and SSE. The primary outcome is thorough SSE. The secondary outcomes are the diagnosis of new or recurrent melanomas and sun protection practices. RESULTS Multilevel modeling will be used to examine whether there are significant differences in survivor outcomes between MSS and the noninteractive web page over time. Mixed methods will evaluate reach, adoption, implementation (including costs), and potential for maintenance of MSS, as well as contextual factors relevant to those outcomes and future scale-up. CONCLUSIONS This trial has the potential to improve outcomes in survivors of melanoma. If MSS is effective, the results could guide its implementation in oncology care and nonprofit organizations focused on skin cancers. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR1-10.2196/52689.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Manne
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Carolyn J Heckman
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Sara Frederick
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Alexis A Schaefer
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Christina R Studts
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Olga Khavjou
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | | | - Adam Berger
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Hao Liu
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
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Marziliano A, Diefenbach MA, Hudson SV, Tagai EK, Handorf EA, Bator A, Miller SM. Demographic and Psychosocial Characteristics Associated With Use of a Prostate Cancer Survivorship Website: Implications From a Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e27890. [PMID: 35311678 PMCID: PMC8981019 DOI: 10.2196/27890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many prostate cancer (PC) survivors experience disease and treatment-related symptomatology in both the physical and psychosocial domains. Although the benefits and barriers to using web-based resources for cancer patients are well-documented, less research has focused on the personal characteristics important for efficient tailoring and targeting of information that are associated with usage. Objective We used the Cognitive-Social Health Information Processing (C-SHIP) framework to guide our exploration of personal characteristics associated with use of PROGRESS, an informational PC survivorship website that addresses physical, emotional, interpersonal, and practical concerns relevant for PC survivors. Methods PC survivors (N=217) were randomized to the intervention arm (PROGRESS) of a randomized controlled trial. Of those randomized to the intervention arm, 84 used PROGRESS, and 133 did not use PROGRESS. Multivariable analyses evaluated demographic and psychosocial characteristics (eg, style of coping, health literacy, self-efficacy, affective states of depression, anxiety, and fatigue) associated with website use. Results A larger proportion of non-Hispanic White (68/160, 42.5%), compared with non-Hispanic Black (9/40, 23%), participants used PROGRESS (P<.001). Further, PROGRESS users were older in age (P<.001), had a monitoring style of coping (P=.01), and were less depressed (P=.004), anxious (P=.02), and fatigued (P<.001) than nonusers. Education, income, health literacy, blunting style of coping, self-efficacy, and treatment type (radiation therapy or surgery) were not significantly related to use. On multivariable analyses, race (OR 0.28, P<.001), age (OR 1.05, P<.001), monitoring style of coping (OR 1.27, P=.02), and overall mood (OR 0.98, P<.001) remained significant. Conclusions A combination of monitoring and low levels of negative affect were associated with website use. Additionally, users were older, non-Hispanic White survivors. To ensure that important survivorship-relevant information reaches users, future efforts need to focus on enhancing patient engagement. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02224482; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02224482
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Marziliano
- Center for Health Innovations and Outcomes Research, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Michael A Diefenbach
- Center for Health Innovations and Outcomes Research, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Shawna V Hudson
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Erin K Tagai
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Fox Chase Cancer Center/Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Handorf
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Fox Chase Cancer Center/Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Alicja Bator
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Fox Chase Cancer Center/Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Suzanne M Miller
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Fox Chase Cancer Center/Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Sunburns and Sun Protection Behaviors among Male Hispanic Outdoor Day Laborers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052524. [PMID: 35270218 PMCID: PMC8909209 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Individuals who work outside are at increased risk for skin cancer due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Little is known about UV exposures and sun safety practices of outdoor day laborers, who are disproportionately Hispanic. This study identified the correlates of sunburn and sun protection behaviors in a sample of male, Hispanic day laborers (n = 175). More than half of the participants (54.9%) experienced one or more sunburns when working during the past summer, and 62.9% reported having one or more symptoms of heat illness. The frequency of engaging in sun protection behaviors was suboptimal, including sunglasses use (M = 2.68, SD = 1.71), staying in the shade (M = 2.30, SD = 0.94), wearing sunscreen (M = 2.10, SD = 1.39), and wearing a wide-brimmed hat (M = 1.75, SD = 1.32), based on a 5-point scale (1 = never; 5 = always). Lower education level, higher levels of skin sensitivity to the sun, any symptom of heat illness, fewer barriers to wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and not wearing a wide-brimmed hat were associated with a greater number of sunburns. Factors associated with each sun protection behavior varied. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
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Manne S, Heckman CJ, Kashy D, Ritterband L, Thorndike F, Lozada C, Coups EJ. Moderators of the Effects of mySmartSkin, a Web-Based Intervention to Promote Skin Self-examination and Sun Protection Among Individuals Diagnosed With Melanoma. Ann Behav Med 2022; 56:804-815. [PMID: 35028656 PMCID: PMC9345181 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaab104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying the characteristics of persons who benefit more from behavioral interventions can help health care providers decide which individuals should be offered particular interventions because this is the subgroup of persons who are more likely to derive greater benefit from the intervention and refine the underlying constructs of the model guiding the intervention. PURPOSE This study evaluated possible demographic, medical, knowledge and attitudinal, and psychosocial variables that may moderate the impact of an online intervention, called mySmartSkin (MSS), on engagement in skin self-examination (SSE) and sun protection behaviors among melanoma survivors. METHODS Participants completed a baseline survey and were then randomized to the MSS condition or usual care. Follow-up surveys were completed by participants at 8-, 24-, and 48-week postrandomization. RESULTS A greater impact of MSS on SSE was illustrated among participants with more phenotypic skin cancer risk factors and participants reporting lower baseline self-efficacy in conducting SSE. A more favorable response of MSS on sun protection behaviors was shown when initial knowledge about abnormal lesions and sun protection barriers were high. Greater use of MSS and more favorable evaluations of it were also associated with higher intervention response. CONCLUSIONS Future studies seeking to improve SSE and sun protection among melanoma survivors might benefit from focusing on survivors who report more skin cancer risk factors, lower self-efficacy in conducting SSE, less knowledge about what abnormal skin lesions look like, more perceived barriers to sun protection behaviors, and less worry about recurrence and cancer-related distress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carolyn J Heckman
- Department of Medicine, Behavioral Sciences, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Deborah Kashy
- Michigan State University, Department of Psychology, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Lee Ritterband
- School of Medicine, Center for Behavioral Health and Technology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Carolina Lozada
- Department of Medicine, Behavioral Sciences, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Manne SL, Marchetti MA, Kashy DA, Heckman CJ, Ritterband LM, Thorndike FP, Viola A, Lozada C, Coups EJ. mySmartCheck, a Digital Intervention to Promote Skin Self-examination Among Individuals Diagnosed With or at Risk for Melanoma: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Ann Behav Med 2021; 56:791-803. [PMID: 34637495 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaab090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regular skin self-examination (SSE) reduces melanoma mortality but is not often conducted. PURPOSE To promote SSE performance in individuals at increased risk for melanoma. METHODS One hundred sixteen individuals at heightened risk for development of melanoma (i.e., personal/family history of melanoma, high-risk mole phenotype) who did not conduct a thorough SSE during in the prior 3 months were randomly assigned to receive either an automated internet-based intervention (mySmartCheck) or usual care (UC). One hundred sixteen participants completed surveys before random assignment and 99 completed the follow-up survey 13-weeks afterward. The primary outcome was participant self-reported examination (SSE) of all 15 parts of the body in the last 3 months. Secondary outcomes were SSE of any part of the body in the last 3 months and number of body parts examined during the last SSE. RESULTS More mySmartCheck participants examined all 15 body parts (32.6% vs. 7.1%, p = .001). More individuals in mySmartCheck reported conducting SSE on any body part than those in UC (81.4% vs. 62.5%, p = .04). Effect sizes were large (d = 1.19 all 15 body parts) to moderate (d = 0.55 for any body part). mySmartCheck participants examined more body areas than UC participants (12.7 vs. 10.3, p = 0.003) during the last SSE. Participants in mySmartCheck reported higher levels of knowledge of suspicious lesions, SSE benefits, SSE self-efficacy, and planning for SSE, and lower SSE barriers, than those assigned to UC. CONCLUSIONS mySmartCheck had a significant positive impact on SSE performance and behaviors. Additional research with a larger sample size, a longer follow-up, and more varied clinical settings is needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov registration # NCT03725449 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03725449).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon L Manne
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Michael A Marchetti
- Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deborah A Kashy
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Carolyn J Heckman
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Lee M Ritterband
- Center for Behavioral Health & Technology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Adrienne Viola
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Carolina Lozada
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
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Manne SL, Heckman CJ, Kashy DA, Ritterband LM, Thorndike FP, Lozada C, Coups EJ. Randomized controlled trial of the mySmartSkin web-based intervention to promote skin self-examination and sun protection among individuals diagnosed with melanoma. Transl Behav Med 2021; 11:1461-1472. [PMID: 33904921 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibaa103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adherence to regular, thorough skin self-examination (SSE) and consistent sun protection behaviors among melanoma survivors is relatively low. This study reports on the impact of an online intervention, called mySmartSkin (MSS), on engagement in SSE and sun protection behaviors among melanoma survivors, as well as the mediators of the intervention effects. The intervention was compared with usual care (UC), and primary outcomes were assessed at 24 and 48 weeks. Short-term outcomes were also evaluated at 8 weeks postbaseline. Results demonstrate a significant effect on SSE and sun protection. At all three follow-up assessments, the proportion of participants reporting conducting a thorough SSE in the time since the previous assessment was significantly greater in MSS than in UC. In addition, both multivariate and univariate analyses indicated that engagement in sun protection behaviors was significantly higher in MSS than UC at 24 weeks, but the effect on sun protection at 48 weeks was significant only in multivariate analyses. Beneficial effects of MSS were significantly mediated by knowledge about melanoma and characteristics of suspicious lesions, as well as self-efficacy. Participant engagement in MSS was satisfactory, with approximately two-thirds of participants completing at least two of the three core components. Content was rated as highly trusted, easy to understand, easy to navigate, and helpful. In conclusion, MSS illustrated significant and durable effects on SSE and mixed results on sun protection. Future studies should consider ways to further enhance treatment effects and engagement in MSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon L Manne
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Carolyn J Heckman
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Deborah A Kashy
- Michigan State University, Department of Psychology, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Lee M Ritterband
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Center for Behavioral Health & Technology, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Frances P Thorndike
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, Pear Therapeutics, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carolina Lozada
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Heckman CJ, Manne SL, Kashy DA, Bhurosy T, Ritterband L, Coups EJ. Correlates of sun protection behaviors among melanoma survivors. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:882. [PMID: 33962615 PMCID: PMC8105954 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10951-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study objective was to assess potential correlates of sun protection behaviors among melanoma survivors. METHODS Participants were 441 melanoma survivors recruited from three health centers and a state cancer registry in the United States. Sun protection behaviors (sunscreen, shade, protective shirts, and hats) were assessed through an online survey, as were potential correlates (demographic, melanoma risk, knowledge and beliefs, psychological and social influence factors). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS Correlates of sun protection behaviors included education, skin cancer risk factors, melanoma knowledge and beliefs, melanoma worry and distress, physician recommendation for sun protection, injunctive norms, and pro-protection beliefs (e.g., perceived barriers, self-efficacy). CONCLUSIONS Future efforts to improve sun safety among melanoma survivors may benefit from targeting individuals with lower education levels, and addressing sun protection social influence, barriers, and self-efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn J Heckman
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany St., New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| | - Sharon L Manne
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany St., New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | | | - Trishnee Bhurosy
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany St., New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | | | - Elliot J Coups
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany St., New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
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Niu Z, Tortolero-Luna G, Lozada C, Heckman CJ, Coups EJ. Correlates of Sun Protection Behaviors Among Adults in Puerto Rico. Int J Behav Med 2021; 29:36-45. [PMID: 33928477 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-021-09991-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of skin cancer has been increasing in Puerto Rico in recent years. Sun protection behaviors are suboptimal among Puerto Ricans. However, there are limited data regarding major factors associated with Puerto Rican adults' sun protection behaviors. To examine factors associated with Puerto Rican adults' sun protection behaviors, a survey study was conducted in Puerto Rico. METHOD A population-based sample of 667 Puerto Rican adults completed a telephone survey in 2016. Survey items addressed potential correlates of sun protection behaviors. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses examining correlates of the sun protection behaviors index were conducted. RESULTS Higher levels of sun protection behaviors were found among English language acculturated compared to Spanish language acculturated individuals (p < .05) and among individuals with private versus no health insurance (p < .05). Higher levels of sun protection behaviors were found among individuals with greater skin cancer knowledge (p < .001), fewer sun protection barriers (p < .01), and greater sun protection self-efficacy (p < .001). CONCLUSION By identifying correlates of Puerto Rican adults' sun protection behaviors, this timely study provides insight on factors to target in future skin cancer interventions in this understudied population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaomeng Niu
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| | - Guillermo Tortolero-Luna
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Centre, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - Carolina Lozada
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Carolyn J Heckman
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Bhurosy T, Heckman CJ, Riley M. Prevalence and correlates of skin self-examination behaviors among melanoma survivors: a systematic review. Transl Behav Med 2020; 10:1120-1133. [PMID: 33044529 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibaa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most common cause of skin cancer deaths, and individuals who have had melanoma have an increased risk of developing new melanomas. Doing regular self-examinations of skin enables one to detect thinner melanomas earlier when the disease is more treatable. The aim of this systematic review is to characterize and evaluate the existing literature on the prevalence and correlates of skin self-examination (SSE) behaviors among adult melanoma survivors in the USA and Canada. A computerized literature search was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The inclusion criteria for the studies were: (a) reported results for adult melanoma survivors in the USA or Canada, (b) papers described empirical research, (c) assessed SSE and related behaviors, and (d) papers were published in a peer-reviewed journal in the past 20 years. Key phrases such as "skin self-examination/SSE in melanoma survivors in the United States" and "correlates of skin self-examination/SSE" were used. Based on the inclusion criteria, 30 studies were included in the systematic review. SSE prevalence varied depending on how SSE was defined. Demographics and factors (gender, education level, patient characteristics, partner assistance, and physician support) associated with SSE were identified. Findings of this review show evidence for the need to have a consistent way to assess SSE and suggest different types of correlates on which to focus in order to promote SSE and reduce the risk of melanoma recurrence in survivors. This systematic review and its protocol have been registered in the international database of prospectively registered systematic reviews in health and social care (PROSPERO; ID: 148878).
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Affiliation(s)
- Trishnee Bhurosy
- Division of Population Science, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Carolyn J Heckman
- Division of Population Science, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Mary Riley
- Division of Population Science, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Manne SL, Heckman CJ, Kashy D, Lozada C, Gallo J, Ritterband L, Coups EJ. Prevalence and correlates of skin self-examination practices among cutaneous malignant melanoma survivors. Prev Med Rep 2020; 19:101110. [PMID: 32461880 PMCID: PMC7240727 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2020.101110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma patients are at elevated risk for recurrence of the primary cancer as well as second primary melanomas. Regular skin self-examination (SSE) is recommended as part of follow-up surveillance. In this study, we examined SSE performance and comprehensiveness as well as knowledge and attitudinal correlates of SSE performance and comprehensiveness. Four hundred forty-one melanoma survivors completed measures of SSE performance as well as knowledge and attitudes about SSE and melanoma. Approximately two-thirds of the sample reported having conducted an SSE in the past two months; the average number of body parts examined was 10.64 (out of 15 maximum). Only 7.5% of the sample checked all 15 body parts. Greater worry about recurrence, fewer barriers to SSE, more planning for when to conduct SSE, and more confidence in the ability to conduct SSE and recognize a suspicious growth were associated with both SSE performance and greater SSE comprehensiveness. Physician influence was positively associated with SSE performance. Survivor education efforts may benefit from reminding survivors to check hard-to-see and sensitive areas, develop a plan for how to ask for assistance in conducting exams, as well as use mirrors to see hard-to-reach areas. Addressing perceived SSE barriers, fostering SSE planning, and improving SSE self-efficacy may be important foci for intervention efforts to enhance SSE performance and comprehensiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Joseph Gallo
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, United States
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