Patient education: recommendations regarding sunscreens, drugs, and diet

Early recognition of melanoma is directly related to improvement in survival. Patients, therefore, must not only be educated in recognition of abnormal skin lesions, but also in proper skin examination, ultraviolet radiation protection, effect of drugs on the development of malignancies, and dietary means of promoting wellness and preventing disease. Basic patient instruction should begin at the time of diagnosis and should include all health care team members to assure patient comprehension and compliance with recommendations.